"No."
"Haven't seen the newspapers lately?"
"I never read the papers, Blair."
"Right-o. But I had to.... Buck up, now, Dare!"
"All right. Shoot it quick," returned Lane, feeling his breast contract and his skin tighten with a chill.
"Red Payson has gone west."
"Blair! You don't mean—dead?" exclaimed Lane.
"Yes, Reddie's gone—and I guess it's just as well, poor devil!"
"How? When?"
"Two days ago, according to papers.... He died in Washington, D.C. Fell down in the vestibule of one of the government offices—where he was waiting.... fell with another hemorrhage—and died right there—on the floor—quick."