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48 right! So we are both from Virginia? Good enough! Ever been to Richmond?"

"Yes, years ago."

"I and my father run the Richmond Importing Company there. Perhaps you've heard of the concern. We ship goods all over the world,—China, Japan, South Africa, everywhere. Got a vessel here now, bound for China, the Columbia. Had to look after her, and that's what brought me to the Philippines."

"Then you are going back to the States soon?" went on Gilbert. "You're lucky. Lots of the boys would like to go, too."

"No, I'm booked straight through to China."

Nuggy Polk gave something closely resembling a hiccough, and then felt in a rear pocket of his trousers. "Have a drink?" he went on, producing a whiskey flask.

"Thanks, but I'm not a drinking man," answered Gilbert.

"What! Don't drink? Well, I never! I'll drink for you. Here's your health."

The whiskey flask was elevated to Polk's lips, and a long low gurgle followed. The action disgusted