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280 [Comes forward—exasperatedly]

Of course, the damned radio has to pick out this time to go dead! Brand new one I had installed especially for this race, too! Just my luck!

[Coming to and putting his hand on her shoulder]

Gosh, I’ll bet Gordon’s some keyed-up right at this moment, Nina!

[Without lowering the glasses]

Poor kid! I’ll bet he is!

[Thinking with intense bitterness]

That tone in her voice! her love already possesses him! my son!

[Vindictively]

But she won’t! as long as I live!

[Flatly]

Yes, he must be nervous.

[Taking his hand away, sharply]

I didn’t mean nervous. He doesn’t know what it is to have nerves. Nothing’s ever got him rattled yet.

[This last with a resentful look down at her as he moves back to the rail]

[With the calm confidence of one who knows]

Yes, you can bank on Gordon never losing his nerve.

[Coldly]

I’m quite aware my son isn’t a weakling—