Page:Earl Derr Biggers - Seven Keys to Baldpate (1913).djvu/397

Rh trade? Sold any new schemes for renovating the world to the up-state s? I should think this would be sort of an off-season for the reform business. Peace on earth, good will toward men that ain't exactly a good advertisement for the reformers, is it?"

"It's an excellent one," replied Professor Bolton. "The first essential of good will toward men is not to rob and debauch them."

"Oh, well, Doc, don't let's argue the matter," replied Cargan easily. "I ain't in the humor for it, anyhow. You got your beliefs, and I got my beliefs. And that ain't no reason why we should not smoke a couple of good cigars together. Have one?"

"Thanks. I—" reluctantly the old man took a gay-banded Havana from the mayor s huge fist. "You're very kind."

"I suppose it s sort of a blow to you," the mayor went on, "that your plans up there on the mountain went all to smash. It ought to teach you a lesson, Doc. There ain't nothing to the reform gag."

The train slowed down at a small yellow