"I don't want him," he said. "He doesn't belong to this gang; he wasn't there. There were only four of them. You can cut him out."
Kouka and Quinn looked at each other in surprise; they were about to protest. In Archie's heart, as he watched this little drama, a wild hope flamed. Carney, too, looked up, showing the first interest he had evinced. Something in his look deterred Fallen, held his eye. He knew Carney and his reputation; his glance plainly implied a question.
"You're wrong on that fellow Mason," said Carney.
Fallen looked at him, then at Mason; then he smiled his superior smile.
"Oh, I guess not," he said lightly. He turned away with his complacent, insulting smile.
"All right," said Carney. "You've got him wrong, that's all. He's been here in town for three weeks. Of course, it's nothing to me--'tain't my business." He plunged his hands in his trousers pockets and walked over to the window.
The men in the chained line shuffled uneasily.
"Do I get out now?" Archie asked.
Kouka laughed.
"Yes--when I'm through with you."