the world at this moment. Italy will rely heavily on him to make a deep run and perhaps a presence in yet another final.

Fernando Muslera

At the age of 27, Muslera has already played in the 2010 World Cup, and 2011 Copa America, which Uruguay won by defeating Paraguay in the final 3-0. At the club he is also a champion, Galatasaray won the domestic Turkish league this year and Muslera started in 33 of the 34 matches. Uruguay has one of the most balanced teams in the World at this moment, and a goalkeeper entering the prime of his career could be the needed mixture to make them a World Cup contenders. I expect Muslera to have anotherimpressive tournament like he did in the 2010 World Cup, butapologized; then, with a murderous look at Putnam, left.

"Sorry he hit you," Putnam sympathized. "Damned nigger."

"Oh, surely you're mistaken," Theodore said, daubing at his nostrils. "Mr. Jefferson told me how afraid he was of people believing this talk. Because of the value of his two houses, you know."

"Two?" asked Putnam.

"Yes, he owns the vacant house next door to his," said Theodore. "I assumed you knew."

_"No,"_ said Putnam warily.

"Well, you see," said Theodore, "if people think Mr. Jefferson is a Negro, the value of his houses will go down."

"So will the values of all of them," said Putnam, glaring across the street. "That dirty, son-of-a—"

Theodore patted his shoulder. "How are your wife's parents enjoying their stay in New York?" he asked as if changing the subject.

"They're on their way