“When a man goes wrong, Gladwin, and the going leans against the lines of least resistance, it’s easier to keep on going than to stop and switch off into the hard and narrow path. He is always hoping that 288 something will take hold of him and set him right, and that hope usually involves a woman.
“I’ve been dreaming lately that I wanted something to set me going in the right direction, but it seems that you have beaten me to that, or are on the fair road to do it. The trouble is that I have forgotten how to go about a clean thing cleanly.”
“I’m mighty sorry, but”–––Gladwin started.
“But you’re also mighty glad.”
“I shall always remember you, Wilson, and here’s my hand on it that I shall always be willing to help you up and out of the––the”–––
“The muck!” supplied the thief, accepting Gladwin’s hand and gripping it.
“However, we are wasting time and keeping the ladies up till an unconscionable hour. If you will get your little Jap down here without making a noise about it, I can use him and bid you good-night.”
Gladwin went warily out into the hallway, reconnoitered the front door and vestibule, then went to the stairway and uttered a short, sharp whistle. Bateato came down as if on winged feet and halted as if turned to stone between the big man in the uniform of Officer 666 and his master.
“Come here,” said Wilson, and plucked the Jap by the arm.
Bateato trembled with apprehension.