"Have no fear, Jim; have no fear; they'll never catch us," replied Peter, with confidence in his secureness behind the throne of graft.
"But, nevertheless, it is rotten business, Peter; rotten business, and I am tired of playing the game," said Dalls.
"Oh, I'm not; I'll play it till I die," returned Peter, with a bravado air.
"You can afford to, Peter; it's been a gold mine to you and your backers. But to me? Look at me! Nothing is all I get—nothing but a pittance."
"You are paid well, Jim," said Peter, severely.
"Paid well; yes; but it takes it all to keep those below me in line."
"Well, what more do you want, Jim?"
"Nothing—I'm quitting the business."
"Ho! you are? You can't quit, Jim; you can't. If you do, what'll become of the ring?" asked Peter, now for the first time bringing his reasoning faculties into play in connection with such a probable event.
"Bust, I suppose," replied Dalls.