Canadian fiction -- 20th century; Detective and mystery stories
"Just the same I'll deal liberally with you," said Greg. "We'll make
the old cab do double duty. When I'm sleeping or busy you can run her,
and vice versa. If we keep her in repair she ought to provide a living
for both. If you'll turn over your takings to me, I'll settle with
Bessie Bickle for your keep and credit you with the balance. When
you've paid back the two hundred you got from me I'll retire from the
concern in your favor. I pay for repairs, and we go halves on oil and
gasoline."
Hickey agreed that this was more than fair.
"All right, climb into Blossom's cab and take a sleep while I'm gone.
Or get a room from Bessie. I'll have to have a room to change in when
I get back. We have a lot to do to-day."
"Do you mind staking me for a little breakfast?" asked Hickey meekly.
"I'll take it outside if it's all the same to you. I'd sooner face a
she-tiger than brace Bessie between meals."
"All right, jump in, and I'll drop you at the first lunch-room."
In half an hour Greg was back at the yard with his baggage. In the
meantime Hickey, following his instructions, had engaged a room by the
week from Bessie in their joint interest, and was even now snoring on
the bed. Greg carried his things up, and opening his bags proceeded to
array himself with particular care. He was bound to remove the
impression of a snuffy owl driver that he must have made on a certain
party. He sighed with satisfaction at the comfortable feel of his own
clothes.
When he was dressed he remorselessly woke Hickey and dragged him to his
feet. Hickey assumed the driver's cap and coat that he had discarded.
When they passed through Bessie's kitchen on the way out that worthy
soul opened her eyes very wide indeed at the sight of the figure of
elegance Greg was making. She came to a stand and planted her hands
aggressively on her hips. Clearly, fine clothes were associated in her
simple mind with questionable conduct. Greg's gloves confirmed her
worst suspicions.
"I'll be back in time for dinner," said Greg airily. "I'm not going to
let you off those spare-ribs."
Bessie pursed up her lips. "My poor kitchen ain't fitting to serve the
likes of you," she said.
"Don't be sore just because I've put on my sporting rags," said Greg.
"Need 'em in my business."
"Fine business, I daresay," said Bessie, sniffing.
"I see you think I'm a confidence man at the least," said Greg. "When
I come back I'll tell you the whole story while we eat. I want your
good will."
"Well, I won't express an opinion on it till I hear it," said Bessie
tossing her head. Nevertheless Greg saw that she was pleased.
He got in the cab. "Where to, sir?" said Hickey, touching his cap with
a grin.
"First to a pawn-broker's," said Greg. "I've heard that Salomon's on
Sixth Avenue is a good place."
"I know it well," said Hickey. He cranked the flivver, and with her
customary preliminary back-fires she was off.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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