I never could endure the way Clark talked about girls and hinted at his conquests . `` Just this . Herbert Bronson came to town this afternoon and is leaving on the 10.30 train to-night . He 's sent me word to meet him at his hotel this evening and talk over a mining deal I 've been trying to pull off . I simply must go . It 's my one chance to corral Bronson . If I lose him it 'll be all up , and I 'll be thousands out of pocket . '' `` Well , you are in rather a predicament , '' I agreed , with the philosophical acceptance of the situation that marks the outsider . I was n't hampered by the multiplicity of my business and social engagements that evening , so I could afford to pity Clark . It is always rather nice to be able to pity a person you dislike . `` I should say so . I ca n't make up my mind what to do . Hang it . I 'll have to see Bronson . There 's no question about that . A man ought to keep an understood substitute on hand to send to dinners when he ca n't go . By Jove ! Elliott ! '' Clark 's Great Idea had arrived . He bounced up eagerly .
`` Elliott , will you go XXXXX the Kennedys ' in my place ?
By about at in of on over so to with