“Mebbe so! But ye can’t clinch us. Anyhow, come over an’ sit down, we want to talk with ye.” Old King Brady looked at Harry. “All right,” he said, “we’ll do it.” CHAPTER IV. THE PRIVATE DETECTIVE. It was an unusual request made by Burke. It was a strange thing for the detectives to sit at the same table in a friendly way with three men whom they meant to hang, if possible. But life is full of anomalies. And detectives certainly meet with queer experiences. This was one of them beyond a doubt. The Bradys quietly seated themselves at the table. Burke called for beer. But Old King Brady said: “Don’t order any for us.” “You won’t drink?” “No.” “Ah, that’s odd!” said Burke, with bad grace. “Mebbe it would be to yer interest to.” “We do not drink anyway,” replied the old detective. “Not with anybody except when absolutely necessary.” “Well, all right. Now let’s get to the point. What be ye shadowing us fer?” “I have told you once,” replied Old King Brady, quietly. “Humph!” exclaimed Collins. “Do ye think we had anything to do with killing that gal?” “Yes, I am sure you did.” The trio exchanged glances. Martin Van contorted his ugly face frightfully and said: “So ye mean to haul us in, do ye? That’s your game?” “That is just it,” replied Old King Brady. “I know that you are the hired tools of Napoleon Blood!” “Ugh!” said Collins, in a gritty voice. “Whoever runs up ag’in’ the trio has a hard time.” “Lots of ’em have tried it.” “And they’ve paid fer it,” said Burke. “It’s a fair warnin’.” Old King Brady laughed. “You are talking to the wrong man,” he said. “There’s nothing you can do or say will scare me. I mean to put you fellows in the electric chair.” “Well,” said Burke, darkly, “that’s a declaration of war.” “That is my duty!” For a few moments there was silence. Then Burke said: “Yes, it is!” “An’ you make war on us?” “Ye don’t know what ye’re doin’. No man ever run up ag’in’ us that didn’t get the worst of it. Nuthin’ kin save ye if we git after ye. Don’t fergit that. Ye’ll have a hot race fer life!” “All right,” said the old detective, rising, “you understand me, and I understand you.” “You are satisfied to let it go at that?” asked Collins. “Yes.” “Very well. You will know what it is to fight the Tough Trio!” “And you will soon find yourselves in the meshes of the law,” retorted Harry. “Remember that escape is impossible. You are not for a moment lost sight of and whatever comes you are always within our reach!” The villains laughed scornfully. “Save your threats,” said Van. “Make your peace with God!” advised Burke, coolly. “You say you will hound us,” said Collins. “Why don’t you arrest us now?” “Yes,” echoed Van. “You are so sure of our guilt, take us right in!” Old King Brady smiled. “Have your fun now,” he said, “you may not have the stomach for it later.” “Well, why don’t you arrest us?” “I am not ready.”