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Lillian laughed, Archie preened, and the Senator looked very displeased

Bell used the excuse of the poker debt to nudge Kincaid away froa card, but a check for the amount written on it would stir even better memories”

“My check will be here tomorrow,” Kincaid replied affably “You’re still at the Yale Club?”

“Until further notice And you, Senator? Will you be in New York a while or are you off to Washington?”

“Actually, I’”

“Isn’t the Senate in session?”

“I a in San Francisco about the Chinese proble to catch his attention, took Bell’s elbow, and lowered his voice “Between us poker players, Mr Bell, the hearing willto San Francisco”

“And what is that?”

“I’ve been persuaded by a select group of California businessmen to listen to them implore me to run for president” He winked con spiratorially “They offered to take ine what little pleasure a for out of doors I told thees Antlers, stuffed grizzly bears, pine logs… and indoor plu”

“Are you persuadable?” asked Bell

“Between you and et But of course I would be deeply honored to run for president,” said Kincaid “Who wouldn’t? It is the dream of every politician who serves the public”

“Would Preston Whiteway be one of those California businessmen?”

Kincaid looked at him sharply

“Shrewd question, Mr Bell”

For a mo alone on a cliff in Oregon instead of in a crowded theater lobby on the Great White Way