II: THE UNKNOWN

HE WAS ROUSED BY THE bluff greeting of an acquaintance not dissimilar to himself in age, manner, and apparel.

“H’lo, Silly Bill!” said this person, halting beside William Sylvanus Baxter. “What’s the news?”

William showed no enthusiasm; on the contrary, a frown of annoyance appeared upon his brow. The nickname “Silly Bill"—long ago compounded by merry child-comrades from “William” and “Sylvanus"—was not to his taste, especially in public, where he preferred to be addressed simply and manfully as “Baxter.” Any direct expression of resentment, however, was difficult, since it was plain that Johnnie Watson intended no offense whatever and but spoke out of custom.

“Don’t know any,” William replied, coldly.

“Dull times, ain’t it?” said Mr. Watson, a little depressed by his friend’s manner. “I heard May Parcher was comin’ back to town yesterday, though.”

“We