"Good business man, Curly," O'Brien was saying. "Must say like your style--fine an' generous, free-handed hospital . . . hospital . . . hospitality. Credit to you. Nothin' base 'n graspin' in your make- up. As I was sayin'--"
But just then the faro dealer slammed the door.
The three laughed happily on the stoop. They laughed for a long time. Then Mucluc Charley essayed speech.
"Funny--laughed so hard--ain't what I want to say. My idea is . . . what wash it? Oh, got it! Funny how ideas slip. Elusive idea-- chasin' elusive idea--great sport. Ever chase rabbits, Percy, my frien'? I had dog--great rabbit dog. Whash 'is name? Don't know name--never had no name--forget name--elusive name--chasin' elusive name--no, idea--elusive idea, but got it--what I want to say was--O hell!"
Thereafter th
