"Well . . . Besides, I'd be odd man out. A man feels a bit of a nong trailing behind the lovebirds all the time."

"Are they romantically inclined at all?"

"Penny and Helen are, but Bunny and Pete aren't too sure."

"And how about you?" ventured Gil, and then added quickly "Sorry

didn't mean to get personal."

"No that's all right. Me, well, let's say that I have a good time."

Gil winked in the approved manner, a good butch wink, and Mike threw back his head and laughed out loud. Grinning, Gil ordered another round. Another pause. The drinks came.

"Cheers."

Pause.

"Cigarette?" "Thanks." Pause.

"So what's Launceston like?"

And so the conversation hiccupped along, discussing their home-towns, their jobs, even the day's races, getting nowhere, until by ten Gil was beginning to think the evening had been a waste of time a washout, in fact. He'd have been better off at the pictures, or even watching TV at the Y.

But he stayed, and half an hour later was almost glad to her the jangle of the bell, and the time-honored cry "Time, gentlemen, please."

"Well," he said, "better be off I s'pose. Though I'll have to pump ship first." "So will I," Mike said, "but I'm going to do it in more elegant surroundings than here. Why don't you come up and use my bathroom too?"

"Might as well," said Gil, noticing the rush to the washroom in the saloon. They emptied their glasses, and went upstairs.

Gil lit a cigarette, and was standing looking out of the window down at the crowded intersection below, when Mike emerged from the bathroom.

"Mafeking has been relieved," he announced grandly, and came over beside Gil and looked out too.

"Don't you find it a bit noisy?" inquired Gil. "It's bad enough at the Y." "Oh, you get used to it. I'm never here much anyway.

"No, I guess you're not." Gil flicked the butt out into the hot night air. "Well, I'll be going now. Will I see you at the beach tomorrow?"

"Sure. But do you have to go right now? I've got a new bottle of scotch in the wardrobe. A bloke doesn't want to crack it all by himself."

"No thanks, I've had enough to drink already." He was bored with it all, and turned to the door. "I'd better go." Mike was in front of him now. He felt Mike's hands drop to his hips, holding him firmly, but gently. Each was looking into the other's eyes.

"I'd like you to stay, Gil please."

Now it was Mike's turn to be surprised. For Gil responded instantly with a kiss long and deep, and presently the two were side by side on the bed.

Mike propped himself up on his right elbow. His arm stretched out and gently stroked Gil's cheek. His thumb massaged it tenderly.

"So you are!" he murmured.

"I could say the same thing to you," replied Gil, a thrill of response running through him. He took Mike's hand and leaned forward and kissed him again. "I wondered," he continued, "but was never sure."

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