“I suppose I may consider that lie number two?” “Can’t you tell me what you want with him.” “Are you and this man very close?” asked Burt. “We were sort of chummy, but I never trusted him much. He thinks too much of himself to suit my taste.” “If you will act on the square with me, I can put some money in your way.” Cook regarded his old acquaintance suspiciously. “What do you require?” he asked. “That you make me acquainted with this Dick Kidd.” “Perhaps I’ll have to ask his permission first,” said Enoch. “You know what I am after?” “I’ll swear I don’t.” “You know that Kidd robbed his employer?” said Burt sternly. “No--I don’t.” “Come, Enoch, you must have seen that wondrous green diamond?” Cook appeared overcome with surprise. “Do you mean the eye of the idol?” he inquired. “Yes.” “So Dick got away with that, eh?” “You know he did, and I rather think you were in the job.” “I swear to you that if Dick Kidd stole that diamond, I never knew anything about it until now.” “Cook,” said Burt, “you know I am not to be deceived by your acting.” “I am not acting.” “Kidd must have shown you the gem?” “No.” “Did you steal it?” “No; I don’t mind telling you that if I had the opportunity I should have stolen it. Why, the price I could have got for the stone would have made me rich for life.” Burt looked sharp at his companion. It seemed plain to him that the fellow was lying. “Well,” said Burt, “you were Kidd’s accomplice in the theft, and I propose to arrest you.” “No, you don’t!” The voice came from behind the detective. He turned around. Mike Quick stood near him and the saloon-keeper had a revolver leveled at his head. CHAPTER V. ENOCH COOK AND HIS PAL. The moment Quick appeared upon the scene Cook made a successful dash for liberty, Burt did not make a move to intercept him. Mike had the drop on him, and Burt believed the rascal would shoot if he grappled with Cook. “Ain’t you a nice member of society?” remarked Quick. “Put up that gun.” “You just hold your horses; I want to give Enoch a good start,” said Mike. “You gave me your word of honor you would not attempt to arrest the man.” “What is it to you whether Cook is arrested or not?” “A good deal; that is, if the arrest was made here.” “Find him a good customer, eh?” “It ain’t that.” “Then what is it?” “The thing would get in the newspapers,” said Mike. “Suppose it did.” “Then my place would be given a bad name; savvy?” Burt was mad enough to eat Quick, but he felt compelled to laugh at the fellow’s conceit. In all New York there was not a more disreputable dive than Quick’s, and it had enjoyed that reputation for years. “That’s all gammon,” remarked the detective. “Put up your gun.” “I guess Cook has got far enough away now.”