What are you doing with his looks, and in this place? Look out
for that man you're with, and the other. Yes, sir," her voice rose. "A
small bottle of the white; in a minute, sir."
I understood her as Dicky and the new-comer came to the table and took
seats opposite. I commanded my face to give no sign of suspicion, but
the warning put me on the alert. I had come on the supposition that I
was to meet the band to which Henry Wilton belonged. Instead of being
among friends, however, it seemed now that I was among enemies.
"It's all right," said Dicky carelessly. "He's been sent."
"That's lucky," said I with equal unconcern. "We may need an extra hand
before morning."
The new-comer could not repress a triumphant flash in the serpent eyes.
"I'm the one for your job," he said hoarsely, his face as impassive as
a stone wall.
"What do you know about the job?" I asked suspiciously.
"Only what I've been told," he answered.
"And that is--"
"That it's a job for silence, secrecy, and--"
"Spondulicks," said Dicky with a laugh, as the other hesitated for a
word.
"Just so," said the man.
"And what else?" I continued, pressing him firmly.
"Well," he admitted hoarsely, "I learned as how there was to be a
change of place to-night, and I might be needed."
I looked at him inquiringly. Perhaps I was on the threshold of
knowledge of this cursed business from the mouth of the enemy.
"I heard as how the boy was to be put in a safer place," he said,
wagging his head with affected gravity.
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