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home,” said the actor, “I’ll be happy to arrange it for you. Not now, of course—the police wouldn’t let you go at present. But when this has blown over a bit, I'll buy you a ticket—and give you something besides. In return for this canvas, you know.”

“How much besides?”

“Two hundred dollars.”

“Well, I don’t know——”

“Make it two fifty. Look here, you’re not dealing with a millionaire. I’m an actor on a salary, and it’s none too big. I’ve had a long engagement in Honolulu, and I’ve saved a bit. I’m offering you about all I’ve got. If it’s not enough, I’m sorry.”

“It’s enough,” said the beach-comber slowly. “I don’t mean to be hard on you. I’m not very proud of this, you know. But it’s my chance—my chance to get away—lord, I’ve got to take it. We'll call it a bargain—a ticket to the mainland as soon as they’ll let me go, and two fifty in my jeans. But say—how about meantime—I need a small advance now.”

“For okolehau, eh?”

Smith hesitated. “I don’t know,” he said frankly. “I hope not. I don’t want to touch it. I might talk, and spoil everything. I’m not thinking so much of you—spoil everything for myself, I mean.” He stood up. “I won't touch it,” he cried suddenly. “I’ll fight, and I'll win. I give you my word of honor as a gentleman.”

Fyfe looked him over, wondering what that was worth. He took out his wallet.

“I'll have to trust you, I suppose. I'll give you fifty now.” Smith’s eyes gleamed. “It’s all I’ve got on me. Wait a minute!” He pushed away the beach-