"Huh!"
"No, you aren't the running kind. That's what makes you interesting. That's what will make you good fun. What could be more interesting than seeing a young man like yourself want something so badly that he'd give his life for it and then suddenly place the desired object far, far beyond his reach. To watch his expression when he discovers that he's lost. To see the change from hope to despair take place in his eyes, to watch the illusions go, and the bitter truth about life take possession of him. What will he do, say and look when he discovers that the oyster of life is a hollow, empty, fraudulent shell?"
"You're raving, Garman!"
"Do you accept the challenge?"
"To the limit."
"Good boy! I knew you wouldn't disappoint me. The girl would have been worth while, but adding you, Payne, you glimpsing a dream of a fool's paradise, will be glorious!"
"You talk like a damn fool," said Payne bluntly.
Garman nodded, and with the nod his strange mood passed and he was the business man again.
"All right. That's all of that for the present. Now, what are you up against? What are your biggest problems?"
"Thanks, but I am not placing myself entirely in your hands, Garman."