"Now the king," he muttered, "now the ace. We're on the home stretch, going strong. There, it's finished. It's come out right. A great game, I tell you." He leaned back. Kendrick's fever-yellowed face was like a bronze mask. His eyes were fiercely on the table and the two decks of cards that lay there. "And when you've finished," he pointed. "When you've finished--" Mr. Cargan picked up the deck on the left. "All black," he said, "when the game comes out right." "And the other?" Kendrick persisted softly. He pointed to the remaining deck. A terrible smile of understanding drew his thin lips taut. "And the other, Mr. Cargan?" "Red," replied Cargan. "What else could it be? All red." He picked it up and shuffled through it to prove his point. Kendrick turned like a drunken man and staggered back down the aisle. Magee rose and hurried after him. At the door he turned, and the look on his face caused Magee to shudder. "You heard?" he said helplessly. "My God! It's funny, isn't it?" He laughed hysterically, and drawing out his handkerchief, passed it across his forehead. "A pleasant thing to think about--a pleasant thing to remember." Professor Bolton pushed open the smoker door. "I thought I'd join you," he began. "Why, David, what is it? What's the matter?" "Nothing," replied Kendrick wildly. "There's nothing the matter. Let me--by--please." He crossed the swaying platform and disappeared into the other car. For a moment the professor and Magee gazed after him, and then without a word moved down the car to join Cargan and Max. Magee's mind was dazed by the tragedy he had witnessed. "A pleasant thing to think about--" He did not envy Kendrick his thoughts. The mayor of Reuton had pushed aside the cards and lighted a huge cigar. "Well, Doc," he remarked jocosely, "how's trade? Sold any new schemes for renovating the world to the up-state rubes? I should think this would be sort of an off-season for the reform business. Peace on earth, good will toward men--that ain't exactly a good advertisement for the reformers, is it?" "It's an excellent one," replied Professor Bolton. "The first essential of good will toward men is not to rob and debauch them." "Oh, well, Doc, don't let's argue the matter," replied Cargan easily. "I ain't in the humor for it, anyhow. You got your beliefs, and I got my beliefs. And that ain't no reason why we should not smoke a couple of good cigars together. Have one?" "Thanks. I--" reluctantly the old man took a gay-banded Havana from the mayor's huge fist. "You're very kind." "I suppose it's sort of a blow to you," the mayor went on, "that your plans up there on the mountain went all to smash. It ought to teach you a lesson, Doc. There ain't nothing to the reform gag." The train slowed down at a small yellow station. Mr. Magee peered out the window. "Hooperstown," he read, "Reuton--10 miles." He saw Mr. Max get up and leave the car.