CHAPTER XXVI
J. RUFUS SCENTS A FORTUNE IN SMOKE AND LETS MR. NICKEL SEE THE FLAMES
Wallingford had good cause to survey his friend with amused wonder.
“How you have aged, Blackie,” he chuckled. “What has turned you gray in a single month?”
“Beating it,” replied Blackie, hoarsely. “Did you see that guy just now look around and give me the X-ray stare?”
“He was only admiring your handsome make-up,” retorted J. Rufus. “What’s got your nerve all of a sudden?”
“Nerve!” scorned the other. “Say, J. Rufus, when I cut my finger I bleed yellow, and the mere sight of a brass button gives me hydrophobia. They’re after me, dear friend of my childhood days, for going into the oil-well industry without any oil wells, and you’re the first human being I’ve seen in three weeks that didn’t look like he
