The others joined
him in a hearty effort to show their guest the high regard in
which they held him, and if Cortlandt did not enjoy himself, it
was entirely his own fault.
Toward Kirk, however, he preserved a peculiar attitude, which only
the young man's self-absorption prevented him from noticing. If he
had been less jubilant, he must have felt the unnatural aloofness
of the other man's bearing; but even had he done so, he would
doubtless have attributed it to Cortlandt's well-recognized
frigidity.
At the propitious moment, Runnels, who had reluctantly agreed to
share the social responsibility, made a little speech, explaining
that he and his boys had been sensible from the first of their
guest's interest in them, and were deeply grateful for it. They
were all working together, he said, and what helped one helped
another. They had banded together, and now tendered him a token of
their regard in a form which he could preserve.
"It's a little late," he smiled, "in view of the rumor that has
been going round within the last day or so, but, no matter what
happens to any one of us in the readjustment of our department, we
appreciate the help you have given us collectively."
He handed a handsome loving-cup to Cortlandt, who thanked him
appropriately, then waited courteously for the party to break up.
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