“Have a cigar, then,” and one was offered with the same assumption of good-natured indifference that had accompanied the tender of the bribes. Gladwin accepted the cigar, took off his cap, dropped it in and returned the cap to his head.
The thief was puzzled for a moment, until it occurred to him that it would suit his purpose best to have this thick-skulled copper in his company rather 177 than have him go outside and discuss the matter with a more shrewd superior. Therefore he said quickly:
“Oh, officer, could you be spared off your rounds for, say, an hour?”
“Why, yes, sorr; I think so.”
“Well, I want you to do me a favor. I’ll pay you well for it.”
“What is it?”
“You look to me like a chap who could keep a secret?”
“That’s part o’ me trade.”
“Good! Well, then, I’m expecting a call from a lady.”
“Oh, I see, sorr,” and Gladwin forced another fatuous grin.