“To think of an old Has-been like me,” said Holman, “that hasn’t seen so much easy money in a coon’s age--and to go toting it around all day in his pocket! McCray, I’m afraid I’m getting too damned civic! I’ll be a reformer next, and back in politics!” He laughed again. “We’ll wait here a little. Baldwin’ll be along, and I’ll stay and see you safely through it.” Baldwin was coming even then, and in a moment espied them there by the rail. He had recovered himself; the mask of years could not be lowered long; he came on leisurely, even pausing to light a cigarette. Holman hailed him: “Lost out, didn’t you, George?” “So it seems,” Baldwin replied. “When you do business on honor you must expect to be betrayed once in a while. It’s all in the game. But where do you come in, Jim--an old back number like you?” “Does seem funny, doesn’t it? An old Has-been like me! Well, I saw a good thing coming off and I declared myself in. But McCray has a little business with you, and when you’re through with him, maybe I can make it plain to you.” “Oh, I have no further business with Mr. McCray. I’m quite through with _him_.” And he turned his back deliberately on the young man. McCray bit his lip, then remembered and became humble, and, putting forth his hand, said: “Here--here’s your--money.” Baldwin turned, took the money, thrust it carelessly into his pocket, and said: “I can’t count it here, of course. I _presume_ it’s all there.” “Yes,” said Holman, “it’s all there. Such work is done on honor, you know.” “Thank you.” Baldwin delicately drew on his cigarette, blew the smoke upward. “But--that question, Jim, that one unanswered question. Where do you come in? What is there in this for you?” Holman looked at him from top to toe with a long, cold, steady gaze. “Well, George,” he began slowly, “for me there’s nothing in it, in the way you think--in the only terms you can think in, I mean. There is, however, in another way, a lot in it; a lot I haven’t dreamed of for years. All day, while arranging and planning this--the idea came to me suddenly this morning--I’ve been looking forward to this moment, thinking of what I’d say and what satisfaction I’d have in saying it. I thought that that satisfaction would pay me for all you’ve done--for all you’ve tried to do to this boy here--for all--no, damn it! not for all!--all hell and eternity couldn’t pay you for _all_ you’ve done--to other boys like him. But now, as I look at your face and study it, I see that you just couldn’t understand, that’s all; you have lost the ability to understand--and--well, George, that mere fact will pay you, so I won’t try to say it. I’ll say only good-by, and when you get home to that wife and those daughters of yours--just remember that Jim Holman asked you how you could look them in the eyes. Do that and maybe--you’ll understand.” Baldwin stared at him; the mask shifted an instant, then, instantly restored, he turned away.