While Peter was reflecting on all these things, there came into view in the store, the short stalky form of a man past middle life. He walked with a business air in his every movement directly into the presence of Eli, to whom he gave the pass, which was 206070-m, and then continued through the alleyways of junk to the black hole in the rear occupied by Peter. Arriving at the door, he stepped inside, took off his hat, and sat down, sniffing with some annoyance at the foul atmosphere. "Now, what is the game?" he asked Peter. "I want ten thousand by ten o'clock," replied Peter, without any ceremonious introduction of the question. "That's mighty short notice, I must say, Peter," replied the man. "Fifteen minutes is time enough to rob any man or institution," answered Peter. "The pull on our purse strings is very great at present," said the man. "Cut the strings," retorted Peter. "Cut them, you all say; but that won't preserve enough to pay the fiddlers," responded the man. "Fiddlers be damned," roared Peter; "we must get Jim Dalls out of the country." "Is he wanting to squeal?" asked the man, with upraised eyebrows. "He is ready," answered Peter. "Can't he be staved off by bluff?" asked the man. "He's best in Europe." "Is he going there?" "He's going." "When?" asked the man, bluntly. "Get the money, and buy a ticket also." "Why, Peter, it will take a little more time than you have given to complete the transaction." "You may have till 10:30 to fix it up." "I will return at that time with the amount," said the man, reflectively. The man was rising to pass out, when the tall figure of Jim Dalls entered. The latter halted, and stood a moment gazing at Peter and the man, with a contemptuous smile breaking up his smooth features. "Well, Jacob Cobb, you here?" he asked, with some asperity in his voice. "Who else do you see, Jim Dalls, I would like to know, besides we three?" asked Jacob, for that is whom the man proved to be, and who was known to Peter only as 206070-m; and to his henchmen as the same. "You fellows are not turning a trick on me?" asked Jim Dalls, with suspicion. "We will be only too glad to get rid of you," answered Peter. "And see you safely out of the country," joined Cobb. "I think I should have more money," remarked Jim; "ten thousand won't last long in Europe, where you have to bribe every sonofagun who looks at you; it's worse than Pittsburgh." "How much more?" asked Peter, in alarm. "Twenty thousand ought to be sufficient," answered Jim. "Bring three tickets, Cobb, reading from Pittsburgh to Paris, and twenty thousand," said Peter. "And that's the last sou I'll give you, you cur." "Don't be too sure, Peter; I may ask for ten thousand more," said Jim, independently. "You won't get it," barked Peter. "Get the tickets and the money, Cobb."