You really want a mat for that sort of thing.'
The man's hand went furtively to his pocket. Then, his eye caught
sight of the revolver, which Jimmy had placed on the table. With a
sudden dash, he seized it.
'Now, den, boss!' he said, between his teeth.
Jimmy extended his hand, and unclasped it. Six shells lay in the
palm.
'Why worry?' he said. 'Sit down and let us talk of life.'
'It's a fair cop, boss,' said the man, resignedly.
'Away with melancholy,' said Jimmy. 'I'm not going to call the
police. You can beat it whenever you like.'
The man stared.
'I mean it,' said Jimmy. 'What's the trouble? I've no grievance. I
wish, though, if you haven't any important engagement, you would
stop and talk awhile first.'
A broad grin spread itself across the other's face. There was
something singularly engaging about him when he grinned.
'Gee! If youse ain't goin' to call de cops, I'll talk till de
chickens roost ag'in.'
'Talking, however,' said Jimmy, 'is dry work. Are you by any chance
on the wagon?'
'What's dat? Me? On your way, boss!'
'Then, you'll find a pretty decent whiskey in that decanter. Help
yourself. I think you'll like it.'
A musical gurgling, followed by a contented sigh, showed that the
statement had been tested and proved correct.
'Cigar?' asked Jimmy.
'Me fer dat,' assented his visitor.
'Take a handful.'
'I eats dem alive,' said the marauder jovially, gathering in the
spoils.
Jimmy crossed his legs.
'By the way,' he said, 'let there be no secrets between us. What's
your name? Mine is Pitt. James Willoughby Pitt.'
'Mullins is my monaker, boss. Spike, dey calls me.'
'And you make a living at this sort of thing?'
'Not so woise.'
'How did you get in here?'
Spike Mullins grinned.
'Gee! Ain't de window open?'
'If it hadn't been?'
'I'd a' busted it.'
Jimmy eyed the fellow fixedly.
'Can you use an oxy-acetylene blow-pipe?' he demanded.
Spike was on the point of drinking. He lowered his glass, and gaped.
'What's dat?' he said.
'An oxy-acetylene blow-pipe.'
'Search me,' said Spike, blankly. 'Dat gets past me.'
Jimmy's manner grew more severe.
'Can you make soup?'
