JIM. You know Burgess and I used to be in the circus business
together. He took care of the grafters when I was boss canvas man. I
never could see any good in shaking down the rubes for all the money
they had and then taking part of it. He used to run the privilege car,
you know.
LAURA. Privilege car?
JIM. Had charge of all the pickpockets,--dips we called
'em--sure-thing gamblers, and the like. Made him rich. I kept sort o'
on the level and I'm broke. Guess it don't pay to be honest--
LAURA. [_Turns to him and in a significant voice_:] You don't really
think that?
JIM. No, maybe not. Ever since I married the missis and the first kid
come, we figured the only good money was the kind folks worked for and
earned; but when you can't get hold of that, it's tough.
LAURA. I know.
JIM. Burgess don't seem to be losing sleep over the tricks he's
turned. He's happy and prosperous, but I guess he ain't any better now
than he was then.
LAURA. Maybe not. I've been trying to get an engagement from him.
There are half a dozen parts in his new attractions that I could do,
but he has never absolutely said "no," but yet somehow he's never said
"yes."
JIM. He spoke about you.
LAURA. In what way? [_Rising, stands behind_ JIM'S _chair._
JIM. I gave him my address and he seen it was yours, too. Asked if I
lived in the same place.
LAURA. Was that all?
JIM. Wanted to know how you was getting on. I let him know you needed
work, but I didn't tip my hand you was flat broke.
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