Quick set his teeth hard when this occurred to him. “Well?” said Mike, when Blair appeared, “this visit is unexpected.” “It is well I got to see you at all.” “How is that?” “That chap, Elford, denied that you were in,” said Bull. “He was only carrying out my instructions; you can’t blame him.” “Mike,” said Blair, “my reason in coming here was to prove I am your friend.” “I’ve never doubted it.” “You must clear out of here!” “Must I?” “Yes; the detectives are onto you,” answered Bull. Quick started. “What do you mean?” “Just what I say. They know who stabbed Monte Murphy.” “Who told you this?” “One of them.” “Come, now, Bull,” said Mike, with a forced smile, “I ain’t going to believe that.” “It is Bible truth.” “Have you friendly relations with the police?” remarked Quick. “This fellow played me for a sucker, and came mighty near ramming me into jail.” “Who is he?” “Frank Hare.” “I don’t know him.” “He knows you.” “Is he one of McClusky’s fly coppers?” asked Mike. “No; he works for Burt Cromwell.” At the mention of that name the dive-keeper became very pale. “Do you mean to say Burt knows about that Elizabeth Street business?” “Yes; he found Murphy just before the latter died.” “And Murphy spoke to him?” “Yes.” Now Quick trembled like an aspen. Never in his wicked life had his position been so fraught with danger to himself. “You say Hare tried to arrest you?” Bull told of his escape. “Now,” said Quick, “what did he wish to arrest you for?” “Stealing that watch I spoke to you about,” replied Blair. Bull did not wish his companion to know the real reason of his visit to the “fence.” “Do you know Enoch Cook?” “Yes.” “Have you seen him lately?” “I met him as I was coming here,” replied Bull. It may be stated, in passing, that Enoch had shadowed Blair to the dive, and then hurried to Burt’s office to tell what he had done. “I’d like to see Cook.” “Perhaps I can answer as well.” “No; you haven’t got the brains of Enoch,” remarked Quick. “I’d like to have him advise me what to do.” “Do you know where he hangs out?” “He has been hanging out here up until a few days ago.” “You don’t know where I would be likely to find him then?” “No,” replied Mike. “Now, Bull, suppose you are arrested for stealing this watch?” “I guess,” replied Blair, laughing nervously, “I will have to go up the river.” “That ain’t what I’m getting at. I’m afraid you may be tempted to ‘peach’ on me.” Bull looked horrified. How could any one take him for an informer? The idea was ridiculous. At least he told his companion that it was preposterous. “Well,” remarked Quick, evidently distrustful of Blair, “I’d like to feel sure you would be true to me.” “I will be, I swear it.”