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Leaving the money on the bar, she headed for indicated door It opened into a narrow, dirty stairway that sloped steeply down into darkness As Connie gingerly descended, a familiar Irish voice floated up the stairs

“—theeyes on, my hand to God If you won't take my word for it then you can all come and see her in action at the race next week In fact, would any of you fine gentlemen care for a little side bet…?”

“Not again,” Connie groaned She hastened down the last few steps so fast she ran straight into the door at the bottom

“What was that?” said a man sharply

The door opened, and an enorrabbed Connie's shoulder She stumbled as she was yanked forward into a small, smoky room

A sreen-topped table, cards and cigarettes in their hands They started at Connie's intrusion, their cards reflexively jerking closer to their chests

All except oneshtest hint of repentance

“Darlin'!” Connie's dad exclaiht

The huge eneral direction “This yours, West?”

“You'll not be speaking of nantly “Or else I'll be having to ask you to step outside”

Connie twisted her shoulder free froiant “Dad, you promised!”

“Ah, now, don't be like that” Connie's dad flung his arardless of the other ame”

Connie looked at the not inconsiderable pile of money already stacked in the center of the table Even with her unfanize they were aht now!”

One of the othera level look over them at Connie's dad “Is that so?”