But a change has come over the mood of the seeming idiot. Striking his breast majestically, and pointing to a huge tin star which decorates it, he waves his hand toward them, and says with absurd dignity: "G'way--_g'way!_ Charlie big p'liceman. Gittin' late; _g'way_." [Illustration: "G'way--_g'way!_ Charlie big p'liceman. Gittin' late; _g'way_!"--page 110.] "We must humor him, boys," says Vernet aside. Then to Charlie--"So you're a policeman? Well, so am I; look." And turning back the lapel of his coat he displays, on the inner side, the badge of an officer. Silly Charlie comes close, peers eagerly at the badge, fingers it curiously, then, grasping it firmly, gives a tug at the lapel, saying: "Gimme it. Gimme it." Van Vernet laughs good-naturedly. "Don't pull so hard, Charlie, or you'll have off my entire uniform. Do you want to do a little police duty to-night?" Silly Charlie nods violently. "And you want my star, or one like it?" "_Um hum!_" with sudden emphasis. Van Vernet lays a hand on the shoulder of the idiot, and then says: "Listen, Charlie. I want you to help me to-night. Wait," for Charlie has doubled himself up in a convulsion of laughter. "Now, if you'll stand right by me, and tell me what I want to know, you and I will do some splendid work, and both get promoted. You will get a new star, big and bright, and a uniform all covered with bright buttons. Hold on," for Charlie is dancing in an ecstasy of delight. "What do you say? Will you come with me, and work for your star and uniform?" Charlie's enthusiastic gestures testify to his delight at this proposition. "Um hum," he cries gleefully; "Charlie go; Charlie be big p'liceman." And as if suddenly realizing the dignity of his new employment, he ceases his antics and struts sedately up and down before Vernet and his assistants. Then turning to the detective, with a doleful whine, he extends his hand, saying; "Gimme star _now_." "Not now, Charlie; you must earn it first. I had to earn mine. Do you know the way to Devil's alley?" "Um hum!" "Good: do you know where Black Nathan lives!" "Um hum!" "Can you take me to Nancy Kaiser's lushing ken?" "Um hum; Charlie knows." "Then, Charlie, you shall have that star soon." And Vernet turns to his men. "I will take this fellow for guide, and look up these places: they are most important," he says rapidly. "I shall be less noticed in company with this fellow than if alone. Riley, I leave you in command until I return. Remain here, and keep the fellows all together; some of them are coming now." Riley's quick ear detects the approach of stealthy feet, and as Vernet shuts his lantern, and utters a low "Come, Charlie," the first installment of the Raiders appears, a few paces away. Seizing Vernet by the arm, Silly Charlie lowers his head and glides down the alley, as stealthily as an Indian. "Charlie," whispers Vernet, imperatively, "you must be very cautious. I want you to take me first to where Black Nathan lives."