Ogden’s manner became magically friendly.

“Are you one of Buck Maginnis’ lot?” he enquired almost politely.

“Dat’s right!” Mr. Crocker blessed the inspiration which had prompted Jimmy’s parting words.  “I’m wit Buck.”

“Why didn’t Buck come himself?”

“He’s woiking on anudder job!”

To Mr. Crocker’s profound relief Ogden lowered the pistol.

“I’m strong for Buck,” he said conversationally.  “We’re old pals.  Did you see the piece in the paper about him kidnapping me last time?  I’ve got it in my press-clipping album.”

“Sure,” said Mr. Crocker.

“Say, listen.  If you take me now, Buck’s got to come across.  I like Buck, but I’m not going to let myself be kidnapped for his benefit.  It’s fifty-fifty, or nothing doing.  See?”

“I get you, kid.”

“Well, if that’s understood, all right.  Give me a minute to get some clothes on, and I’ll be with you.”

“Don’t make a noise,” said Mr. Crocker.

“Who’s making any noise?  Say, how did you get in here?”

“T’roo de libery windows.”

“I always knew some yegg would stroll in that way.  It beats me why they didn’t have bars fixed on them.”

“Dere’s a buzz-wagon outside, waitin’.”

“You do it in style, don’t you?” observed Ogden, pulling on his shirt.  “Who’s working this with you?  Any one I know?”

“Naw.  A new guy.”

“Oh?  Say, I don’t remember you, if it comes to that.”

“You don’t?” said Mr. Crocker a little discomposed.

“Well, maybe I wouldn’t, with that mask on you.  Which of them are you?”

“Chicago Ed.’s my monaker.”

“I don’t remember any Chicago Ed.”

“Well, you will after dis!” said Mr. Crocker, happily inspired.

Ogden was eyeing him with sudden suspicion.

“Take that mask off and let’s have a look at you.”

“Nothing doin’.”

“How am I to know you’re on the level?”

Mr. Crocker played a daring card.

“All right,” he said, making a move towards the door.  “It’s up to youse.  If you t’ink I’m not on de level, I’ll beat it.”

“Here, stop a minute,” said Ogden hastily, unwilling that a promising business deal should be abandoned in this summary manner.  “I’m not saying anything against you.  There’s no need to fly off the handle like that.”

“I’ll tell Buck I couldn’t get you,” said Mr. Crocker, moving another step.

“Here, stop!  What’s the matter with you?”

“Are youse comin’ wit me?”

“Sure, if you get the conditions.  Buck’s got to slip me half of whatever he gets out of this.”

“Dat’s right.  Buck’ll slip youse half of anyt’ing he gets.”

“All right, then.  Wait till I’ve got this shoe on, and let’s start.  Now I’m ready.”

“Beat it quietly.”

“What did you think I was going to do?  Sing?”