One fact the detective noted, the room had no window, and was evidently entirely within the building. Not a sound from without, or from the barroom penetrated the place.
Jounce locked the door, an unnecessary precaution, the detective thought, and threw himself into one of the chairs.
"Sit down, pardner. We kin confab here without bein' disturbed, you bet yer buttons."
"I should think so," was the dry response.
"Help yerself to refreshments."
Jounce tapped the bottle with a dirty finger.
Keene, however, was wise enough not to indulge. He saw before him but one man, and if treachery was meditated, he believed himself a match for this one easily.
"Now, then, perceed."
"First, Mr. Jounce, we'd best come to an understanding," declared the disguised detective.
"Sartin, sir."