Perry Jounce uttered a grunt of satisfaction when he saw that the detective was beyond power to know him for the time.
Jounce had been thoroughly posted by Andrew Barkswell, and knew that in the disguised man before him the noted detective was presented.
"So," muttered Jounce, as he touched a spring with his foot that sent the weight back to its place in the ceiling, "I reckon you won't trouble us gents agin."
Then he went over to the side of the stunned detective, secured his arms and removed his beard and gray hair. "Thought you was sharp enough to fool me," chuckled the villain. "I reckin you'll l'arn ef you ever git yer mind agin, that two kin play at ther game o' twist."
After these movements the tramp left the room. He was gone but a short time when he returned, accompanied by Billy Bowlegs.
"So you've thumped him?" muttered the saloon proprietor. "How much did you find?"
"Notting."
"See here, chum, that's too gauzy."
"Didn't ther boss pay yer a good hundred fer this room?" questioned
Jounce, turning upon Bowlegs.
"He hasn't paid it yet. I'm not going to permit any snap games. This fellow doesn't go out of here till you pay the full price."