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He had little time to himself, anyway.

As the afternoon sped toward evening, the suite saw a steady procession of Paxton aides pass in and out, each with his own special problem.

Thornburg arrived with the writers.

They had spent the morning revising the act, eliminating all the gay songs, patter and dancing with a view of the best public relations.

What remained lacked the original verve but it was at least dignified, as befitting the tragic circumstances.

Raymond Fox reported that the orchestra had hastily rehearsed `` Cradle Song '' in case it was needed.

Charlie Marble was back and forth on several occasions, first to confer with Andy on the advisability of cancelling the Las Vegas engagement -- they decided it was wise -- and later to announce that a prominent comedian, also an agency client, had agreed to fill the casino's open date.

And once Bake slipped in, pale and drawn, last night's liquor still on his breath with some of today's added to it.

He asked if there was anything he could do.

Andy invented a job to keep him busy, sending him ahead to El Dorado to supervise last minute arrangements.