"Run down home," said he to the boy.

"If Mliss is there, come to the Arcade and tell me.
If she isn't there, stay home; run!" And off trotted the short-legged Aristides.
The Arcade was just across the way--a long, rambling building containing a barroom, billiard room, and restaurant.

As the young man crossed the plaza he noticed that two or three of the passers-by turned and looked after him.

He looked at his clothes, took out his handkerchief, and wiped his face before he entered the barroom.

It contained the usual number of loungers, who stared at him as he entered.