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, here's where you are!" said Zora Moore, coming up to Dunham quickly the very moment the moon missed its landing and plunged ears-over into the cloud across the gap. "I was looking for you at MacKinnon's. Is that right about you wanting a job?"

"I intended to see Mr. Moore when he came in and strike him for a job," Dunham replied.

"You didn't say when Mr. Ruddy was talking to you whether you'd take a job, but if you're out for one, we can use you. My father told me to be on the lookout for a few good men, and pick them up if I ran across any. You're hired; your time begins right now. Here—hang this thing on you—I'm tired packin' it around."

Dunham admired her direct way of doing business, although he wasn't ready to take on the job that minute. He took the leather pouch, the strap of which she had put in his hand as she spoke, and stood hesitantly, his eyes on the hotel door.

"I've got an appointment with a man in a few minutes, if you'll excuse me from startin' right in, Miss Moore," he said. "I'll just lay this down here and fetch it along to you later. Where—"

"No," she cut him off decisively, "I don't want it