Quite a company of gentlemen were making the place lively with their conversation.

A group of Cook County politicians were conferring about a round cherry-wood table in the rear portion of the room.

Several young merrymakers were chattering at the bar before making a belated visit to the theatre.

A shabbily-genteel individual, with a red nose and an old high hat, was sipping a quiet glass of ale alone at one end of the bar.

Hurstwood nodded to the politicians and went into his office.
About ten o'clock a friend of his, Mr.Frank L.Taintor, a local sport and racing man, dropped in, and seeing Hurstwood alone in his office came to the door.
"Hello, George!" he exclaimed.
"How are you, Frank ?" said Hurstwood, somewhat relieved by the sight of him.