“Take a seat, Brockey,” said Carter blandly, and at the same time he turned the key in the lock, took it out, and put it into his pocket. “I wish you had some liquor about here,” Brockey remarked, as he sank down into a chair. “I kin accommodate youse.” “Can you?” “Yes.” Carter opened a bureau drawer, took out a bottle and glasses and placed them on the table. Brockey poured out a glassful of the liquor and drank it. A few minutes after it was down a look of surprise spread over his face. “Gosh!” he exclaimed. “Where did you get that, Mugsey?” “Ain’t it rich?” Carter asked, with a smile. “It’s more than rich.” “Where did you get it?” “I swiped it off a drunk.” “I thought you didn’t pay for it.” “Le’ us talk bizness now.” Brockey’s countenance changed. He leaned back in his chair, looked at the detective, and made no reply. Carter was silent for a time, and then said: “Brockey, as I said down in Samson’s joint, I be on ter your game.” “And I’d like to know how you got on to it,” Brockey growled. “I’ll tell youse after a while.” “Go ahead.” “Youse is mixed up in de Red Dragon Inn murder!” “My Gawd!” Brockey bounded out of his chair as if he had received a shock of electricity. His face was the color of ashes. He stood still and gasped at Carter. “Youse needn’t t’row a fit,” the detective ejaculated. “Dere ain’t no fly cop around here to hear me an’ pinch youse.” “I’m a fool,” Brockey exclaimed as he wiped the cold perspiration from his brow and sat down in his chair again. “Rest easy, me covey.” “But, Mugsey, you puzzle me.” “Do I?” “Yes.” Carter laughed. “Fire ahead,” Brockey said. “Two rich blokes hired you to put Carter out o’ de way. “Un o’ dem’s named Darwin an’ de oder Rich----” “I----” “Wait.” “I----” “Es I said--dey hired youse, an’ las’ night youse broke into old Wright’s room at de Cosmopolitan Hotel an’ youse got sold.” “Mugsey----” “Gi’ me a chance to git through.” “I will.” “Now, I knows all dese tings, an’ I know how much youse got--an’ want a slice o’ de dough, see?” “And if I don’t agree to give up?” “Den I’ll go to yer friend, Carter.” “You wouldn’t do that?” “Jess youse try ter t’row me down an’ youse’ll see wot I’ll do.” “Mugsey----” “Brockey, youse’ve got to come ter time.” “I suppose I’ll have to.” “Youse kin gamble on dat.” “If I give up you’ll have to help me.” “All right.” “I’ll introduce you to Rich and Darwin.” “Tell me de full lay.” “Tell me how you got onto what you know.” “I piped youse.” “When?” “Las’ nite.” “Was that all?” “Yes.” “Humph!” “Doan git so disgusted.” “I’m not.” “Tell me de hull lay.” “I will.” Brockey became silent. Carter’s eyes sparkled as he watched his companion. His heart was beating rapidly, but outwardly he appeared composed. Patiently he waited for Brockey to commence to speak. “Would the rascal speak the truth?” he asked himself. Brockey was liable to tell a false story.