“I did not harm the man.” “Explain.” “I merely placed him in the cellar, where any cry he might make for help would not be heard,” replied Bull. “Then you don’t know whether the old wretch is dead?” “His life was fast passing away when I left him; he must be dead now.” “Of course it was Murphy who told you I stabbed him?” “Yes.” Quick smiled fiercely. “I didn’t stab him--but I was present when the deed was done.” Blair did not believe this statement. “It is all the same who stabbed the old man,” he said. “I would never give you away.” “Did you visit the ‘fence’ alone?” “Yes.” Bull did not think it advisable to let his companion know that Tony Riley was with him. “What brought you there?” “I wanted to sell Murphy a watch.” “How did you get in?” “I found the door open, and, hearing Monte’s moans, I went to his room.” “I was a fool to have run away,” thought the murderer. Then he said aloud: “I’m much obliged to you, Bull, for what you did in placing the old fellow in the cellar.” “Don’t mention it.” “Now, as it happens, the fellow who did the cutting is an old friend of yours.” “Who is it?” “Bull, you can’t expect me to tell you his name.” “Why not?” “I swore never to breathe it to any one,” replied Quick. Blair smiled. He knew quite well that there had been no one concerned in the crime beside the man who now sat opposite to him. “Well,” remarked Bull nonchalantly, “of course I can’t expect you to go back on your oath.” “I know it would be safe to tell you the chap’s name, but you see how I am placed.” “The police will never be able to get onto you, Mike.” Quick laughed nervously. “I wish I could be sure of that,” he said. “Do you want to do me a favor?” “Of course--what is it?” “I’d like to have you go up to the fence and see if Monte is still alive.” “You are quite moderate in your demands,” remarked Bull cynically. “I’m not asking much.” “Then what’s the matter with you going up there yourself?” Quick shook his head. “No,” he said; “strange as it may appear, I have a superstitious dread of going near that house,” he replied. “I don’t care about going there myself.” “Then you won’t go?” “I’d like to oblige you.” “Why don’t you refuse pointblank, and have done with it?” “I do refuse.” “Then you are not such a big friend of mine as I thought.” “You have gall to ask another to do what you fear to do yourself.” “I expect to pay you for the trouble,” replied Mike. “Nothing you could offer would induce me to go to that house.” “You are as big a coward in this particular matter as myself.” “Say no more about it.” “Remember,” said Quick, “you have given me your word never to speak of the murder, if murder it is.” “You have my promise.” “Good. Let us go out and have a drink.” They went out to the bar. After drinking with Mike, Bull rejoined Hare. At about the same moment Quick left the dive.