“Don’t I look it? How else would you size it up?” “I asked for information.” “Well, I’m handing you straight goods,” said Patsy. “I’m in hard sledding and in need of a lift, so I tried to get it without a formal request. I’m not good at begging. Lemme go this time, will you? I’ll never butt in here again.” “I’ll make sure of that,” retorted Draper, with ominous significance. Then he took a chair some six feet in front of Patsy, coolly sitting down with the revolver still poised in his hand and ready for instant use, if necessary. Patsy realized that he was up against a man of nerve, as well as a man who would not shrink from bloodshed under the circumstances. That he was confronted by one of the gang that had abducted Clayton, moreover, and one of the gang that had stolen the jewel cases that morning, he now had not a doubt. There was a brief period of silence, finally broken by Patsy. “Well, what are you waiting for?” he asked. “Get busy. Do something.” “I’m doing it.” “Doing what?” “Watching you.” “You’ll not let me go, then?” “Not so you’ll notice it.” “But we can’t remain sitting here like two catsup bottles on a shelf,” growled Patsy, with affected resentment. “Let’s come to some kind of an understanding. What are you going to do about it?” “I haven’t decided,” said Draper, constantly alert. “You’re a thief, are you?” “That’s what,” Patsy insisted. “I admit it, but it’s only because I’m out of a job. I’m a high-grade thief, too, as you can see by my looks.” “Yes, you look it, all right.” “I’ve got a room here in the house, and I pass for a decent fellow. Call up the hotel clerk, Vernon, if you doubt it, and he’ll tell you.” “There isn’t any need of calling him,” Draper sneered. “I’m waiting for some one else.” “Who is that?” asked Patsy, pretending ignorance. “You’ll soon see.” “When? How soon?” “When he returns from dinner. He’ll say what must be done with you. He’s the big finger in this--ah, there he is. Don’t stir, or you’ll be a dead one.” Draper’s gaze was fixed more sharply upon his helpless hearer, and his revolver again was leveled. Patsy took him on his word and did not stir. A key had been thrust into the hall door. The door swung open while Draper was speaking, and Doctor Guelpa strode through the narrow entrance hall. He started slightly upon seeing the two motionless men, but if he felt any great surprise, or any consternation, he did not betray it. “Who is this fellow, Draper?” he inquired, pausing. “He says he’s a thief,” replied Draper, without turning an eye from Patsy. “You caught him stealing?” “It looks so.” “How did it happen?” “I was lying on my bed before lighting up, and I heard a knock on the door,” Draper proceeded to explain. “I did not bother to answer it, nor a second one, and then I heard him sneak in here. He switched on the light and began to search your desk. Then I held him up--and here he is.” Doctor Guelpa came a little nearer and glared down at Patsy.