21.   The resignation casts another cloud over Major and his ruling Conservative Party, whose ranks are thinning because of sex and ethics scandals.

22.   Those ranks have thinned in this post-Olympic year, and Allen hopes he can hold off the next wave of quadruple-jumping kids.

23.   Groups of guards posted along the area were still evident although their ranks had thinned since late Saturday.

24.   Groups of guards were posted in the area Sunday although their ranks had thinned since late Saturday.

25.   But their ranks have been thinning in recent years as Taiwan has undergone democratic reforms.