Brewster was comparatively well and strong when he returned to New York in March.  His illness had interfered extensively with his plan of campaign and it was imperative that he redouble his efforts, notwithstanding the manifest dismay of his friends.  His first act was to call upon Grant & Ripley, from whom he hoped to learn what Swearengen Jones thought of his methods.  The lawyers had heard no complaint from Montana, and advised him to continue as he had begun, assuring him, as far as they could, that Jones would not prove unreasonable.

An exchange of telegrams just before his operation had renewed Monty’s dread of his eccentric mentor.

New York, Jan. 6, 19—­

Swearengen Jones,

Butte, Mont.

How about having my life insured?  Would it violate conditions?

Montgomery Brewster.

To Montgomery Brewster,

New York.

Seems to me your life would become an asset in that case.  Can you dispose of it before September 23d?

Jones.

To Swearengen Jones,

Butte, Mont.

On the contrary, I think life will be a debt by that time.

Montgomery Brewster.

To Montgomery Brewster,

New York.

If you feel that way about it, I advise you to take out a $500 policy.

Jones.

To Swearengen Jones,

Butte, Mont.

Do you think that amount would cover funeral expenses?

Montgomery Brewster.

To Montgomery Brewster,

New York.

You won’t be caring about expenses if it comes to that.

Jones.

The invitations for the second ball had been out for some time and the preparations were nearly complete when Brewster arrived upon the scene of festivity.  It did not surprise him that several old-time friends should hunt him up and protest vigorously against the course he was pursuing.  Nor did it surprise him when he found that his presence was not as essential to the success of some other affair as it had once been.  He was not greeted as cordially as before, and he grimly wondered how many of his friends would stand true to the end.  The uncertainty made him turn more and more often to the unquestioned loyalty of Peggy Gray, and her little library saw him more frequently than for months.

Much as he had dreaded the pretentious and resplendent ball, it was useful to him in one way at least.  The “profit” side of his ledger account was enlarged and in that there was room for secret satisfaction.  The Viennese orchestra straggled into New York, headed by Elon Gardner, a physical wreck, in time to make a harmonious farewell appearance behind Brewster’s palms, which caused his guests to wonder why the American public could not appreciate