It was difficult to check his friend's newly-aroused ardour.

"I say, old chap," he said, "you really don't need to come along.

I can do--" "Oh, go to blazes! I know you too well! Don't you worry about me! You've got me going, and I'm in on this thing; so come along!" Then Dunn grew firm.

"Thanks, awfully, old man," he said, "but it's a thing I'd rather do alone, if you don't mind." "Oh!" said Martin.

"All right! But say, if you need me I'm on.