At this crisis O'Farrell of the Central Office strolled into the equation. He himself was hunting a loft-worker; of more than common industry, and had no thought of either the Bottler or Dahl. Happening, however, upon a situation, whereof the elemental features were Dahl outside with a gun and the Bottler inside with a gun, he so far recalled his oath of office as to interfere.
“Better an egg to-day than a hen to-morrow,” philosophized O'Farrell, and putting aside for the moment his search for the loft-worker, he devoted himself to the Bottler and Dahl.
With the sure instinct of his Mulberry Street caste, O'Farrell opened negotiations with Dahl. He knew the latter to be the dangerous angle, and began by placing the muzzle of his own pistol against that marauder's back.
“Make a move,” said he, “and I'll shoot you in two.”
The sophisticated Dahl, realizing fate, moved not, and with that the painstaking O'Farrell collected his armament.
Next the Bottler was ordered to come forth. The Bottler obeyed in a sweat and a tremble. He surrendered his pistol at word of the law, and O'Farrell led both off to jail. The two were charged with Disturbance.
In the station house, and on the way, Dahl ceased not to threaten the Bottler's life.
“This pinch'll cost a fine of five dollars,” said Dahl, glaring round O'Farrell at the shaking Bottler. “I'll pay it, an' then I'll get square wit' youse. Once we're footloose, you won't last as long as a drink of whiskey!”
The judge yawningly listened, while O'Farrell told his tale of that disturbance.
“Five an' costs!” quoth the judge, and called the next case.