Soon there'll be no sun--I mean no booze." Larry dropped the subject.

In his old unprincipled, days his practice had been much what he had suggested to Dick; as little drink as possible, and as few late nights as possible.

He had needed all his wits all the time.

In this matter of hilarious late hours, as in the matter of speculation, Larry recognized words alone, however good, would have little effect upon the pleasure-loving, friendly, likable Dick.

An event, some big experience, would be required to check him short and bring him to his senses.
While Larry was keeping at this grind something was happening to Larry of which he was not then conscious: something which was part of the big development in him that was in time to lead him far.