"If I was fool enough to lose it that way, it'll stay lost," answered
Terry.

"But I won't keep it, son."

"Then give it away. But not to me."

"Black Jack--" began Pollard.

But he received a signal from Denver Pete and abruptly changed the
subject.

"Let it go, then. They's plenty of loose coin rolling about this day. If
you got a thin purse today, I'll make it fat for you in a week. But think
of me stumbling on to you!"

It was the first time that Terry had a fair opportunity to speak, and he
made the best of it.

"It's very pleasant to meet you--on this basis," he said. "But as for
taking up--er--road life--"

The lifted hand of Joe Pollard made it impossible for him to complete his
sentence.

"I know. You got scruples, son. Sure you got 'em. I used to have 'em,
too, till your old man got 'em out of my head."

Terry winced. But Joe Pollard rambled on, ignorant that he had struck a