“That’s it,” returned Gladwin. “I want to take your place; I want to become”––stepping forward to read the number on Phelan’s shield––“Officer 666 for a little while.”
Phelan couldn’t believe his ears. Stepping to one side he said behind his hand to Barnes:
“This feller’s off his dip. Don’t he know that if I lent him me uniform it’d be me finish.”
“That’s all right,” spoke up Gladwin. “I’ll guarantee to protect you. No one will ever know about it. You’ll never make five hundred so easy again.”
“S-s-say,” stammered Phelan, “what’s this all about?”
“Well, I’ve found out that a thief is going to break in here to-night.”
“A thief!” gasped the policeman.
“Yes, just for a joke, you know.”
“A thief going to break in here for a joke!” yelled Phelan. “Now I know you’re batty.”