"Some bargaining power. In case I'm not as efficient as your gunmen. The proof that Tracy Kent and Harry Crippens are Anti-Newspaper." "It's safe." "I've got to know more about it." "On the contrary. Simply carry this weapon with you: if there's trouble, have them contact me. Or contact me yourself. But that would ruin everything, Darius. I suppose if you have to bargain for your life, you wouldn't care." "That's right. I wouldn't." Overman chuckled. "You're a good man." "And one who knows black from white, remember? Let's be honest with each other, chief. You're lying to me. You really figure if I fail, I fail. You wouldn't be willing to bargain in my behalf with what you have, and you know it. If I can kill Crippens and give Wainwright his substitute story and win Miss Kent's confidence, you'd love it. If I can't, you'll try to find another way. Sure, you think I'm good. But you know I'm expendable." Overman thumped him soundly on the back. "Darius, we should have been brothers. Is there anything else?" "Yes. How long would you want me to play this Anti-News game?" "Until we get all the facts." "Too dangerous," said McLeod. "Unless you make it worth my while." Overman hadn't stopped grinning. "Maybe you will get a raise, at that." "Not maybe. Definitely. Twenty per cent." "Twenty?" "Twenty." "All right, Darius. Twenty it is. You'd sell your mother, wouldn't you?" "Don't have to worry about it. The Anti-Newspaper League hasn't that kind of money. You're safe." "I knew it," Overman said. "I couldn't have picked a better man." "I'll keep you informed," said McLeod, and put on his jumper. He walked out congratulating himself on the way he'd convinced Overman. Only trouble was, he now knew there was more than black-and-white in the world but wasn't sure he knew what to do about it. CHAPTER VII "I'm sorry," the recorder said when McLeod called Tracy's apartment. "Miss Kent is not at home. Is there any message?" "No," said McLeod, then lied: "This is Harry Crippens talking." "Miss Kent left a message for you, Mr. Crippens," said the recorder. "She will wait for you at the Fourth Estate. She says it is important." "Thank you," said McLeod. "If Miss Kent should check in, will you tell her Darius wants to save Cripp's life if he can? Will you tell her Darius has come to his senses?" "Darius wants to save Cripp's life if he can. Darius has come to his senses. Yes, sir." McLeod had left the _Star-Times_ after a hurried lunch in the newspaper cafeteria. He'd placed the call to Tracy's apartment from his own because the wires might or might not be tapped in his office. Suddenly he began cursing silently. Overman had rigged receivers in various apartments--including Darius'--to uncover the Anti-News cell. If Overman had heard his conversation with Tracy's recorder, Weaver Wainwright wouldn't be the only one gunning for McLeod.