If he could have kept from spending money as fast as he made it, he might have been a partner in the firm.

However, he rejoiced in the success he had attained, and, to admiring neophytes who gazed in admiration on his perilous achievement of rather reckless living and success in gaining the confidence of his employers, he explained the marvel by uttering his favorite adage in his own peculiar style: "Business before pleasure! By George! That's the doctrine! A merchant don't care how fast you go to the devil out of hours, if you keep his business straight.

Business before pleasure! That's the ticket! He! he! By George!" When evening came, and Charlton felt that he had but one more day of standing guard, his hopes rose, he talked to Isabel Marlay with something of exultation.

And he thought it due to Miss Marlay to ask her to make one of the boating-party.

They went to the hotel, where Miss Minorkey joined them.