“Do I know the party?” “Can’t say.” “Who is he?” “A chap named Mike Quick.” “So you know that jay, eh?” “I’ve met him a couple of times, and he told me if ever I came to New York to drop in and see him.” “Have you been to his place?” “Just came from there.” “Didn’t get much of a welcome, eh?” “Mike was away from home.” “Who did you see?” “The bartender.” “Did he say he expected his boss back very shortly?” “No.” Bull laughed wearily. “I guess you ain’t likely to see your friend for a spell,” he said. “Why, is Mike in trouble?” “If he ain’t, he’s likely to be at almost any moment.” “What has he done?” “I ain’t going to tell you that.” “Are you afraid to trust me?” “Why shouldn’t I be?” “Ain’t I a friend of Mike Quick’s?” “So you say.” “Well, you don’t suppose I’d lie about such a small matter?” “Some people can’t help lying, no matter how much they try.” “I ain’t one of that sort.” “You do look like a good fellow, even if I do say it to your face. By the way, you haven’t told me your name.” “Dan Dimont.” “Don’t like it.” “Why?” “Sounds too much like the name of a song-and-dance man.” Hare laughed. “I don’t know what I’m going to do if Quick has gone away for good.” “What do you mean?” “I counted upon getting a gift from him,” replied Frank. “Broke, eh?” “No; I’ve got a little stuff.” “Then what’s the use of growling?” “I want work to do.” “Are you sure you don’t know any of the boys except Mike Quick?” “I wish I did.” “I’ll have the friend for whom I’m waiting put you onto something good.” “Have you anything on hand?” “What do you mean?” “Simply that you let me into something where I can make a stamp.” “I might take you in myself, only for one thing.” “What is the objection?” “I don’t know how far you can be trusted,” replied Bull. “I wish you did know me well,” replied Hare. “Would you, now?” “Yes; I rather think you must be a pretty good one.” Blair smiled complacently. The other’s flattery touched him. Like many men in higher walks of life, the rascal was filled with self-conceit. “Who do you know in Philadelphia that amounts to anything?” “There’s Stonewall Bob; he’ll vouch for me,” replied Frank. “What!” cried Bull, in surprise; “do you mean to say you know Stonewall?” “Yes; I’ve worked with him.” “Why didn’t you say that at first, my lad?” remarked Blair. “I didn’t suppose you knew.” Bull laughed. “I’d be a nice gilly if I didn’t know the best crook outside of New York! So you know Stonewall Bob, eh?” “I told you I did.” “If I had met you last night, I’d have put a big-sized bone in your way.” “Why, were you onto a good thing?” asked Hare nonchalantly. “I turned the best trick of my lifetime,” answered Bull proudly. “How much did it amount to?” “I haven’t made up a valuation of the stuff yet.” “It must be considerable, if it’s the best haul you ever made.”