“Why not?” “The odds against you will be too great, and you may lose your life.” “Where is this house?” Enoch told him. “That arch-devil Ajeeb,” said Burt, “has chosen an aristocratic neighborhood for his residence.” “The high priest has an unlimited supply of money.” “How do you know that?” “I had it from Stolburst.” “That gentleman is apt to exaggerate things in which the Abyssinians are concerned.” “I heard it said in Gondar that the priest Ajeeb had control of the moneys of the temple, which amounted to millions.” “In that case,” said Burt, “Billy Barry must be living in clover.” “Have you seen Quick?” “No; have you?” “I had no chance.” “You are quite sure you did not send him word that I had discovered his crime?” “I swear I did not!” “I begin to think the rascal has skipped the town.” “Is his place closed?” “No.” “Then it is safe to bet that Mike is in town,” said Enoch. “How do you stand with his bartender?” asked Burt. “Up in G.” “Then you should be able to locate the rascal.” Cook’s countenance fell. “Don’t ask me to do that,” he pleaded. “Why not?” “Quick has been a good friend of mine, and I can’t give him the ‘razzle-dazzle.’” “Oh! that’s it?” “You wouldn’t go back on a man that had treated you well?” “I suppose not.” “Well, that’s my case,” said Enoch. “I promised you I would not tell Mike you were looking for him, and I will live up to that promise, but do not ask me to do more.” Burt looked at his companion in some surprise. He had believed that Enoch had no feeling for any one but himself. “Well,” he said, “I guess I can locate this fellow without your aid.” Cook hoped Quick might escape arrest. “I’m sorry Mike has got himself in such a bad box,” he said. “He may thank you for it. Quick would never have visited the ‘fence’ only you put him onto Monte Murphy.” Enoch became pale. “I certainly did not believe,” he said, “that Mike would murder the man.” “Perhaps he, instead of Bull Blair, secured the great green diamond.” “No; Tony Riley said Blair had gathered that in.” “My opinion of Riley is that the fellow is an unmitigated liar.” “I think he told the truth that time.” “Do you know where Blair hangs out?” “I might be able to find out.” “I wish you would.” “I’ll go to work to-day.” Both men then left the office. Burt went to the house occupied by Ajeeb, accompanied by two policemen in citizen dress. In answer to Burt’s ring, the door was opened by a middle-aged colored woman. “Can I see the master?” Burt and one of the policemen pushed past the negress, while the other officer remained on guard outside. “Who do you mean?” “He is known to me as Ajeeb.” “The gentleman does not live here any more,” said the woman. “Where is he?” “Mister, I’d like to know that myself.” “When did he leave?” “When I came here this morning he was gone; that’s all I know.” “Don’t you live here?” “No. I come every morning and do the cleaning up.”