some good or people wouldn't keep on buying it," pursued
Hal desperately.

"You've got all the old stuff, haven't you! The good ol' stock
arguments," said Certina Charley, giggling. "The Chief has taught you
the lesson all right. Must be studyin' up to go before a legislative
committee. Well, here's the straight of it. Folks keep on buying Certina
for the kick there is in it. It's a bracer. And it's a repeater, the
best repeater in the trade."

"But it must cure lots of them. Look at the testimonials. Surely they're
genuine."

"So's a rhinestone genuine--as a rhinestone. The testimonials that ain't
bought, or given as a favor, are from rubes who want to see their names
in print."

"At least I suppose it isn't harmful," said Hal desperately.

"No more than any other good ol' booze. It won't hurt a well man. I used
to soak up quite a bit of it myself till my doc gave me an option on
dyin' of Bright's disease or quittin'."

"Bright's disease!" exclaimed Hal.

"Oh, yes, I know: we cure Bright's disease, don't we? Well, if there's
anything worse for old George W. Bright's favorite ailment than raw
alcohol, then my high-priced physizzian don't know his business."

"Let me get this straight," said Hal with a white face. "Do I understand
that Certina--"

"Say, wassa matter?" broke in Certina Charley, in concern; "you look
sick."

"Never mind me. You go on and tell me the truth about this thing."

"I guess I been talkin' too much," muttered Certina Charley, dismayed.
He gulped down the last of his champagne with a tremulous hand. "This's
my second bottle," he explained. "An' brandy in between. Say, I thought
you knew all about the business."

"I know enough about it now so that I've got to know the rest."

"You--you won't gimme away to the Chief? I didn't mean to show up his
game. I'm--I'm pretty strong for the old boy, myself."

"I won't give you away. Go on."

"Whaddye want to know, else?"

"Is there _anything_ that Certina is good for?"

"Sure! Didn't I tell you? It's the finest bracer--"

"As a cure?"

"It's just as good as any other prup-proprietary."

"That isn't the question. You say it is harmful in Bright's disease."

"Why, looka here, Mr. Surtaine, you know yourself that booze is poison
to any feller with kidney trouble. Rheumatism, too, for that matter. But
they get the brace, and they think they're better, and that helps push
the trade, too."

"And that's where my money came from," said