flipped them into his mouth。 The familiar acid…pelling taste flooded in。
He had a sudden sensation that people were watching him； curiously and with
some contempt。 The booths behind him were full there were graying； distinguished
men and beautiful young girls； all of them in costume； watching this sad
exercise in the dramatic arts with cold amusement。
Jack whirled on his stool。
The booths were all empty； stretching away from the lounge door to the left
and right； the line on his left cornering to flank the bar's horseshoe curve
down the short length of the room。 Padded leather seats and backs。 Gleaming dark
Formica tables； an ashtray on each one； a book of matches in each ashtray； the
words Colorado Lounge stamped on each in gold leaf above the batwing…door logo。
He turned back； swallowing the rest of the dissolving Excedrin with a grimace。
〃Lloyd； you're a wonder；〃 he said。 〃Set up already。 Your speed is only
exceeded by the soulful beauty of your Neapolitan eyes。 Salud。〃
Jack contemplated the twenty imaginary drinks； the martini glasses blushing
droplets of condensation； each with a swizzle poked through a plump green olive。
He could almost smell gin on the air。
〃The wagon；〃 he said。 〃Have you ever been acquainted with a gentleman who has
hopped up on the wagon？〃
Lloyd allowed as how he had met such men from time to time。
〃Have you ever renewed acquaintances with such a man after he hopped back off？〃
Lloyd could not； in all honesty； recall。
〃You never did； then；〃 Jack said。 He curled his hand around the first drink；
carried his fist to his mouth； which was open； and turned his fist up。 He
swallowe