“Well, the cove left the hotel and went downtown to the Manhattan Safe Deposit Company. “Then he returned to the house. “I laid around the place for several hours, thinking he would come out. He did not put in an appearance, and I proceeded to make inquiries. “Then I discovered that he was not in his room, and I knew he had left the hotel. “I haven’t been able to get on his trail.” “The deuce!” “That cove is like an eel.” For a time the men were silent. Carter realized that Brockey had been tracking him, and saw that in the future he would have to be more cautious. It was only by a mere stroke of good luck that he had slipped out of the hotel unrecognized. Finally, Darwin looked across the table at his companion, and said: “I think I can trust you, Brockey.” “Think you can!” Brockey ejaculated. “You have done so, and never found me unworthy of the trust. You remember----” The blood left Darwin’s face when thus addressed, for a moment, and a paleness usurped its place. “Why, Mr. Darwin, I was in hopes----” “I think you are misunderstanding me. I know you--I can trust you, and it is not everybody I would; let that suffice. I shall want you to do something more for me.” “What is that?” “Carter must be put out of the way.” “I begin to comprehend. That man has been the bitterest enemy that I ever had.” “You don’t love him?” “No.” “Then you will undertake the job?” “For a consideration--yes.” “Oh, I don’t expect you to do it for nothing. I will pay you liberally. But, remember, there must be no failure.” “I’ll do my best.” “Your best!” “That’s what I said,” retorted Brockey. “You must not fail.” “There is a chance that I may.” “You must not.” “See here, Darwin, that cove is one of the worst terrors in the business.” “I am aware of that----” “Well--it----” “Well----” The men were sitting with their elbows leaning upon the table, and they stared into each other’s eyes for some time in silence. “Say, Darwin,” Brockey finally blurted out, “I don’t like to be spoken to in that way. You talk as if you had a hold on me.” “I _have_ a hold on you!” Darwin fairly hissed, and his face darkened, while his eyes shone like two coals of fire. “So you think. But I have also a hold on you, my bully boy, and don’t you forget it!” Again a silence fell on them. Darwin scowled. Brockey smiled, showing a hideous gold tooth. “We won’t quarrel,” Darwin at last remarked. “I guess not,” Brockey replied, with a chuckle. “Will you do the work?” “I told you I would.” “Then start out to-night to run him down.” “The exchequer is very low.” “How much will you need?” “Five hundred down and five thousand when the cove is out of the way.” “That is too much.” “Don’t talk in that way. You know it is not too much. You and that other chap are going to pull out a big stake.” “I am no fool, Darwin.” “One word from me, and----” “Hush! We are in a public barroom, and you ought to be more cautious.” “Are you going to come to time?”