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and accuse her of shapin' up a bit keen herself. Then she says:

"How is Kane?"

"Perfect!" I says, truthfully. "He was out studyin' fishin' when I left him and he's in the condition of his life. He'll knock off Mister Guardsman Blue in a couple of rounds! That gil's name will be Black & Blue after——"

"Joe—I want you to do me a favor," interrupted Dolores, seriously.

A slight chill capered up my spine and it was a warm day!

"Eh—sure!" I says, lifelessly. "What is it?"

"I want you to postpone Kane's bout with the English champion until after Election Day!" she says, still unsmilin'.

Frigid cat! What a modest little request—like askin' for the loan of my right lung!

"Why—why, honest to Coolidge, Mrs. Halliday, I couldn't do that if I wanted to and I can't say I want to and tell the truth!" I stammers. "You might as well ask me for the bottlin' rights to Niagara Falls. You know there's nothin' I wouldn't do for the Kid or yourself, but that's out! Just what's the big idea?"

"The big idea, Joe, is that if Kane engages in a prize fight on Election Day, I will be defeated for the senate!" says Dolores. "I have worked day and night—sometimes all night—campaigned the state in all kinds of weather for months, as you know, given up everything, spent thousands of dollars and even neglected my health to win this election. You know what