When the curtain finally fell Skinski was given an ovation, and when it was all over we backed into his dressing-room and sat looking at each other.
"That's the last," our star said, after a pause; "and it was a hot finish all right."
"What do you mean?" I gasped.
"The syndicate has bought my gold mine in the Blue Hills," he answered calmly.
"And you're going to throw us after making a start like this?"
Bunch almost sobbed.
"Throw nothing!" Skinski came back. "Didn't I tell you once before that I am for you two guys all the old while—didn't I, Dodey?"
"You betcher sweet!" she answered solemnly.
"Well, that still goes," Skinski went on. "I've sold out a half interest in my Blue Hill gold mine, and I've got the corn to show for it."
So saying, he dug up a wad that a hound couldn't leap over.
"Now, I'm going to pay you each $6,000 to cancel my contract,"
Skinski added, after our eyes had feasted on his roll.