"Well, do you know," she said demurely, "I don't think I'll take a hand
in this game, chiefly because--" she paused.

"Yes: chiefly because--"

"Because you'll get your own way without help. You get everything you
want," she added with a little savage comment.

A flood of feeling came into his eyes, his head jerked like that of a
bull-moose. "No, I don't get everything I want. The thing I want most
in the world doesn't come to me." His voice grew emotional. She knew
what he was trying to say, and as the idea was not new she kept
composure. "I'm not as lucky as you think me," he added.

"You're pretty lucky. You've done it all as easy as clasping your
fingers. If I had your luck--!" she paused.

"I don't know about that, but if I could reach out and touch you at any
time, as it were, I think it'd bring me permanent good luck. You'll find
out one day that my luck is only a bubble the prick of a pin'll destroy.
I don't misunderstand it. I've been left John Grier's business by Grier
himself, and he's got a son that ought to have it, and maybe will have
it, when the time is ripe."

Suddenly an angry hand flashed out towards him. "When the time is ripe!
Does that mean, when you've made all you want, you'll give up to Carnac
what isn't yours but his? Why don't you do it now?"

"Well, because, in the first place, I like my job and he doesn't want it;