I
just couldn't help listening. Say, this mitt's for you. Shake it! So
you're going to marry Bailey's sister, Ruth, are you? You're the lucky
guy. She's a queen!"
"Do _you_ know her, Steve?"
"Do I know her! Didn't I tell you I was the tame physical instructor in
that palace? I wish I had a dollar for every time I've thrown the
medicine-ball at her. Why, I'm the guy that gave her that figure of
hers. She don't come to me regular, like Bailey and the old man, but do
I know her? I should say I did know her."
Kirk shook his hand.
"You're all right, Steve!" he said huskily, and vanished into the
bathroom. A sound as of a tropical deluge came from within.
Steve hammered upon the door. The downpour ceased.
"Say!" called Steve.
"Hello?"
"I don't want to discourage you, squire, but----"
The door opened and Kirk's head appeared.
"What's the matter?"
"Well, you heard what Bailey said?"
"About his father?"
"Sure. It goes."
Kirk came out into the gallery, towelling himself vigorously.
"Who _is_ her father?" he asked, seating himself on the rail.
"He's a son of a gun," said Steve with emphasis. "As rich as John D.
pretty nearly and about as chummy as a rattlesnake. Were you thinking
of calling and asking him for a father's blessing?"
"Something of the sort, I suppose."
"Forget it! He'd give you the hook before you'd got through asking if
you might call him daddy.
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