Page:The gold brick (1910).djvu/59

 not move a muscle. Bemis withdrew a little and looked at him.

"I don't know McCray very well," said Holman presently. "He's a youngster, and I've been out of politics a long time. But I might have a little talk with him. I can't promise, though—an old Has-been like me, you know." He laughed a small bitter laugh.

"Oh, you!" said Bemis striking him softly on the shoulder. "You a Has-been! Why, Jim, you're the slickest man in southern Illinois—when you want to be!"

Holman found McCray in the Leland bar-room. The young man was plainly in some mental stress, his hair matted to his brow, his face moist with perspiration, and drawn, and in his eyes an utter weariness.

"Just the man I was looking for," said Holman. "I came to see you about a little matter down in Jasper; some interests I represent—constits of yours—and I've got to hurry back. So, just give me a minute; I'll not keep you long."

McCray looked at his watch. "I"—he hesitated*