It was not difficult for McKenna and Linden to form a plan by which the latter should become acquainted with the prominent Mollies in and about Shenandoah. A time was appointed when Linden should encounter his brother detective at Cleary’s saloon, where the clan mostly congregated, after the departure of McHugh, and after the little misunderstanding McKenna and his companions had had with Micky Cuff about his teeth. They entered the place separately, one day, finding themselves in the presence of Muff Lawler, John Delaney, of Number Three, and some others, when Linden pretended to recognize McKenna as an old acquaintance, from Buffalo, whose face he had not seen for several years. They shook hands heartily and were greatly rejoiced at the seemingly accidental encounter. “Glad to see you again!” said Linden. “It plazes me, too, tho’ I can’t say much for the sarvice ye are in,” answered the detective, scowling upon Linden rather ferociously. “Oh, that need not part old friends!” responded Linden. “You know I always perform my duty, and as long as I say nothing about your Buffalo matter, and do not go out of my way to harm you or your friends, I don’t see the need for quarreling! Come, let’s have something in remembrance of old times!” “I’m agreed!” responded McKenna, and he was prompt in walking up to the bar, followed by the assembled Mollies, all of whom drank at the Captain’s expense. Had he not shown himself an old friend of McKenna, there were few of the Mollies who would have cared to take a glass in his company. They soon found him a gentleman of his word, and as he had promised not to hurt McKenna, they felt he would be equally lenient to that person’s comrades. Lawler was particularly struck with the frank and manly manner of Linden, and said he was “proud to form his acquaintance!” Before Linden left the crowd it increased considerably in numbers and its members were greatly under the influence of the liquor they had consumed. The ice once broken, the Mollies did not wonder, or indulge suspicion, when they saw Linden and McKenna occasionally in company. It was not often they were found together, and then there were always others present, to prevent any private talk; but it was easy enough, when he wanted to meet the officer alone, for McKenna to write it—as well as the time and place of conference—on a bit of paper, in his room, in cipher, and, when occasion gave opportunity, quietly place the communication in Linden’s hand, or in a side pocket of his coat.