I didn't mind his going to dinners and minstrels, of course, but when they spoke of being out until after midnight, or to-morrow morning, and when one beetle-browed, vulgar-looking creature offered to lend him a 'tenner,' I thought of the mortgage on the Noble ranch, and the trouble there would be if Edgar should get into debt, and I felt I must do something to stop him, especially as he said himself that everything depended on his next examinations." "But how did you accomplish it ?" asked Mrs.Oliver, sitting up in bed and glowing with interest.
"They sat down by the roadside, smoking and talking it over.

There was n't another well-born, well-bred looking young man in the group.

Edgar seemed a prince among them, and I was so ashamed of him for having such friends! I was afraid they would stay there until dark, but they finally got up and walked toward the station.

I waited a few moments, went softly along behind them, and when I was near enough I cleared my throat (oh, it was a fearful moment!), and said, 'I beg your pardon, but can you direct me to Professor Salazar's house ?' and then in a dramatic tone, 'Why, it is--is n't it ?--Edgar Noble of Santa Barbara!' He joined me, of course.

Oh, I can't begin to tell you all the steps of the affair, I am so exhausted.