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 "To think of an old Has-been like me," said Holman, "that hasn't seen so much easy money in a coon's age—and to go toting it around all day in his pocket! McCray, I'm afraid I'm getting too damned civic! I'll be a reformer next, and back in politics!" He laughed again. "We'll wait here a little. Baldwin'll be along, and I'll stay and see you safely through it."

Baldwin was coming even then, and in a moment espied them there by the rail. He had recovered himself; the mask of years could not be lowered long; he came on leisurely, even pausing to light a cigarette. Holman hailed him:

"Lost out, didn't you, George?"

"So it seems," Baldwin replied. "When you do business on honor you must expect to be betrayed once in a while. It's all in the game. But where do you come in, Jim—an old back number like you?"

"Does seem funny, doesn't it? An old Has-been like me! Well, I saw a good thing coming off and I declared myself in. But McCray has a little business with you, and when you're through with him, maybe I can make it plain to you."

"Oh, I have no further business with Mr. McCray.