Marriott was silent for a few moments. Then he asked:
"Have you talked to the police?"
Archie laughed.
"They give me the third degree, but--there was nothin' doin'."
Marriott was relieved to find that he did not have to face the usual admission the police wring from their subjects, but Archie went on:
"Of course, that don't make no difference. They can frame up a confession all right."
"They'd hardly do anything that desperate," said Marriott, though not with the greatest assurance.
"Well," said Archie, "I wouldn't put it past 'em."
Marriott finished his cigarette in a reflective silence, dropped it to the floor and imitated Archie in the care with which he extinguished it. Then he sighed, straightened up and said:
"Well, Archie, let's get down to business; tell me the particulars."