re troubled with a
conscience, and yours must be strictly a cottage affair! But forget it
just now, old fellow... we've got work before us. Play ball!

[Takes him by the shoulder; they go off.]

[CURTAIN]

ACT III

HEGAN'S office in Wall street. A large room, furnished with severe
simplicity. At the left a large table, with half a dozen chairs about
it, and a "ticker" near the wall; at the right, a flat-topped desk and a
telephone. Entrance centre.

[At rise: ANDREWS stands by desk; takes some papers, looks them over,
makes note and replaces them.]

PARKER. [Enters.] Say, Andrews, what's the reply to these letters of the
Fourth National?

ANDREWS. Give them here; I'll see to them.

PARKER. Any orders for the brokers this morning?

ANDREWS. I'm writing them myself.

PARKER. Something special, eh? All right. [Looks at ticker.] Hello!
Listen to this: "There is a rumor, widely current, that the decision of
the Court of Appeals in the matter of the Public vs. the Grand Avenue
Railroad Company will be handed down to-day!" Gee whiz, I wonder if
that's so?

ANDREWS. I have heard the rumor.

PARKER. There was a reporter here yesterday, trying to pump me. I'll bet
they're watching the boss.

ANDREWS. Yes; no doubt of that.

PARKER. Cracky! I'd like to know which way it'll go!

ANDREWS. A good many others would like to know, I've no doubt.

PARKER. I'll bet my hat the boss knows!

ANDREWS. It may be.

[A pause; PARKER continues to read ticker.]

PARKER. I don't suppose you've heard anything, have you?

ANDREWS. I never hear, Parker.

PARKER. Oh, say... come off. Why don't you drop a fellow a hint now and
then?

ANDREWS. I can't afford to.

PARKER. It would never go beyond me. [A pause.] Say, Andrews.

ANDREWS. Well?

PARKER. Would you like to invest a bit for me now and then?

ANDREWS. I'm not hankering to, especially.

PARKER. I'll go halves with you on the profits.

ANDREWS. And how about the losses?

PARKER. There wouldn't be any losses.

ANDREWS. Cut it out, Parker... we don't want that kind of a thing in the
office. [Handing him paper.] Here... I want three copies of this. And
take my advice and live on your salary.

PARKER. Thanks. I wish the salary increased as fast as the bills do!
[Starts to door; sees LAURA.] Oh! Good morning, Miss Hegan!

LAURA. [Enters hurriedly.] Good morning.

ANDREWS. Good morning, Miss Hegan.

PARKER exit.

LAURA. Mr. Andrews, where was my fath