I was sure, for the first time in my stretch in this loony business, that I had an option on a nice private little gold mine. And I wasn't going to let anything upset my cartful of golden apples. "Okay," I said. They were rehearsing on the stage of an empty theater which was owned by a guy I'd done some favors for. "You look pretty good, but don't let it go to your head. The act needs a lot of work. Keep at it. I'm going out to get a sandwich." Alice put her hands on her hips and looked down at me. "Everything is fifty-fifty with you, isn't it?" she said. "We do the work, you get the money. Nice even split." "Careful, beautiful," I said. "You'll die of your own poisons, if you don't look out." I waved to her and left. After I'd had a bite to eat, I went to see one of the biggest agents in the business, the guy who books all the acts into the Capitol in New York. "Look, Morry," I said, when his secretary had ushered me into his office, which was big enough to hold the World Series in, "I've really got something terrific lined up." Morry looked up at me and his little eyes were uninterested. He yawned and dusted a fleck of dust from the sleeve of his coat. "What is it?" he asked. "It's a magician's act that--" Morry shook his head. "Magicians are dead. Who wants to see rabbits pulled out of a hat?" "This is different. This guy is good." "All right, he's good," Morry said. "So what? We can't use him." "But you ought to at least see the act," I pleaded. "It's got a honey of a girl, too." "Girl?" Morry glanced up and there was a flicker of interest in his little eyes. "Yeah, a honey." "Well," Morry shrugged. "I can't promise anything, but we do need an act to fill in a spot within a week or so. But whatever I get has to be good. I can't send bums to New York." "I know. I know," I said. My heart was hammering with hope. One break on the Stem and I'd be set. "When will you catch the act? Tomorrow be all right?" Morry nodded. I went back to the theatre walking about three feet from the ground. I felt I was in at last. It was a funny feeling I couldn't analyze, but I knew I was going to be in. * * * * * When I walked into the little office back stage I found Alice there talking to Horatio. She was saying, "There should be _something_ you could do for the Army, Horatio," as I walked into the office. Horatio was standing by the desk, shoulders slumped. I had to look twice to make him out against the background of the desk and wall. Alice shut up when she saw me. "Horatio and I were just talking," she said. "Yeah," I said. "Now Horatio and I are going to do a little talking. Make yourself scarce." Alice left and I turned to Horatio. "What kind of a line was she giving you?" I snapped. "Why, gosh, Mr. Flannigan," Horatio stammered. "She was just trying to help me. She's just as interested in getting me into the Army as you are. She's a wonderful girl, Mr. Flannigan."