"Well, as I was saying--the old jane who owns this place is Grace Valdez--no, she ain't Mex, but when she came down here about ten years ago she married one, in order to become a Mex citizen, so she could run a chain of hook-shops without any bother from the Mex government. Grace, at one time, was the biggest Madam in Denver, Colorado--but she's a good scout. If you're in a jam and she likes you, she can do you a lot of good; in fact, she can keep any girl out of this town that she don't like. I'll introduce you to her tonight, if she comes around. That's why I'm putting you hep--don't go on the make for the Son-in-Law. Hey, Curley, give me and Pearl another whiskey." "O. K. Ev, drinks coming up." "Don't be funny, Ev. I made five bucks off him yesterday afternoon." "Oh, Jees--" exclaimed Evelyn, with her eyes bulging, "Well, for the love of your own soul, don't let on to any of these other hookers, as they are sure to run to Grace with it, and Hell would break loose in a big way--but--I'm curious, is--I mean--is,--well,--how the Hell is his bed manners? I'm curious to know if the wife is getting a break, considering all the fun her Mother has had." "Oh, Ev, he's--well--" "Ssshh, pipe down, here comes Grace now. Hello, Grace, dear, how are you?" smiled Evelyn sweetly, "I got a friend here who is just dying to meet you, Gracie, dear." "Hello, Ev," answered Grace, as she walked up to the two. "Grace, dear, this is Pearl Jones. She just came to town, and I'm kinda showing her the sights tonight." "How are you, Pearl," said Grace, as she offered her hand to Pearl. "I'm glad to know you, Grace; won't you have a drink with us?" "I've just got time enough to have a drink, then I've got to get out to the Red Lights Apartments. Three of my girls got into a fight last night, and one got stabbed pretty bad." "What was the fight over--a man?" asked Ev. "Sure--that's always the cause of fights down there. One of the girls was caught with the other one's man," said Grace, as she threw her whiskey down, "I'm glad to have met you, Pearl. If I can be of any help to you any time, don't be afraid to call on me. So long, Ev," and with that Grace disappeared in the crowd. "Say, Ev, I like that old dame." "I knew you would--she's a pip--that is, as long as you don't cross her. Well, let's shove off from here. There's a lot of bars over on Lysol Lane we ain't been into yet."