"For all the influence or power I have over Lorna I might as well not exist." They walked silently along the street for a little while.

Lane had to accommodate his step to the slower movement of his crippled friend.
Blair's crutch tapped over the stone pavement and clicked over the curbs.

They crossed the railroad tracks and turned off the main street to go down a couple of blocks.
"Shades of the past!" exclaimed Blair, as they reached a big brick building, well-lighted in front by a sizzling electric lamp.

The night was rather warm and clouds of insects were wheeling round the light.
"The moths and the flame!" added Blair, satirically.

"Well, Dare, old bunkie, brace up and we'll go over the top.