Before them stood a modest red brick building, three stories in height, with a narrow veranda running across the lowest story just one step up from the pavement.

On the veranda were green chairs and in the chairs reclined such portion of the male Coombers as could do so without fear and without reproach.

Along the top of the veranda was a large sign displaying the words, "HOTEL IMPERIAL." Callandar alighted nimbly from the democrat, that being the name of the light spring wagon in which he had travelled, and shook his good Samaritan by the hand.

"Thank you very much," he said, "and I sincerely hope that the sunstroke will not have terminated fatally by the time you reach home." The deep-set eyes turned to him slowly and again he fancied a twinkle in their mournfulness.

"If it does," said the sad one tranquilly, "it will be the first time it ever has--giddap!" As no one came forth to take his knapsack, Callandar slung it over his shoulder and entered the hotel.