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On the other hand, he was known as "square." His word was as good as
his bond, and this despite the fact that he accepted nobody's word. He
always shied at propositions based on gentlemen's agreements, and a man
who ventured his honor as a gentleman, in dealing with Daylight,
inevitably was treated to an unpleasant time. Daylight never gave his
own word unless he held the whip-hand. It was a case with the other
fellow taking it or nothing.
Legitimate investment had no place in Daylight's play. It tied up his
money, and reduced the element of risk. It was the gambling side of
business that fascinated him, and to play in his slashing manner
required that his money must be ready to hand. It was never tied up
save for short intervals, for he was principally engaged in turning it
over and over, raiding here, there, and everywhere, a veritable pirate
of the financial main. A five-per cent safe investment had no
attraction for him; but to risk millions in sharp, harsh skirmish,
standing to lose everything or to win fifty or a hundred per cent, was
the savor of life to him. He played according to the rules of the
game, but he played mercilessly. When he got a man or a corporation
down and they squealed, he gouged no less hard. Appeals for financial
mercy fell on deaf ears. He was a free lance, and had no friendly
business associations. Such alliances as were formed from time to time
were purely affairs of expediency, and he regarded his allies as men
who would give him the double-cross or ruin him if a profitable chance
presented. In spite of this point of view, he was faithful to his
allies. But he was faithful just as long as they were and no longer.
The treason had to come from them, and then it was 'Ware Daylight.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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