As Johnny had known him he laughed seldom, and then only at something disagreeable.

He was keyed up for something; a great coup of some sort was in sight, Johnny guessed shrewdly, studying Cliff's face and the sparkle in his eyes.

He was like a man who sees success quite suddenly where he has feared to look upon failure.

Johnny wondered just what that success might mean--to others.
"I bet you're putting over something big that will tickle Uncle Sam purple," he hazarded, giving Cliff a round-eyed, admiring glance.
"It will tickle him--purple, all right!" Cliff's tone had a slight edge on it.

"You're sitting in a big game, my boy, but you aren't paid to ask questions.