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to claim his own. Gentle Dora, his love, was not as yet prepared to receive the story he had to tell. Tiny’s Cafe, in the heart of Twentynine Palms, seemed to call out to him for this evening’s meal. Big and kindly Tiny, moving about in his cafe, would be the best person for Adam to be near this evening. That is how Adam came to be sitting alone on a Friday evening at a table with three glasses beside him. That is how he knew I would come in, for he had put his hand into his pocket and had found the pellets of solidified nectar. So, he knew he did not raed dream, because the pellets performed like miraculous things. Thus I learned why Adam and I had met. There was now nothing left of his story. It was nearly dawn again, and this would be Monday morning, but I was surely not going to work. I resigned myself to a day of relaxed comfort, and asked Adam to stay until sunrise. We would talk casually and iron out some things in the story. Adam agreed, and we turned on the radio to receive any relaxation it had to offer in these wee hours of the day. I brewed some fresh coffee. “Well, Orfeo,” Adam sighed, “there you have it as it happened. Now I should make out a check,” he added, taking a small check book from his pocket. “Let me see; what was it I said you could have? I think it was ten thousand dollars, wasn’t it?” “Yes,” I replied. “But wait until I swallow hard, Adam, and digest that huge number for awhile. I am a poor mathematician and such hard realities as figures stagger me, but the call of that much money is irresistible music, not a problem in addition.” “Don’t worry, Orfeo. I have sent Dora what she needs, as you know by now. I can well afford that amount for you and, would never miss it. The main thing now is, do you wish to accept it?” I walked over to him, leaving the coffee percolating. “No, Adam; I do not wish to accept it under your terms.” 205 ADAM SAYS GOODBYE