“Slip this into your pocket,” he directed. “You may need it.”
Frank took the pistol, and Keene then armed himself with two revolvers, after which he slipped on his topcoat and clapped on his head a hat with a wide, slouching brim.
“Come, Mr. Merriwell,” he said. “We’re off to see what we can do.”
CHAPTER XXV.
THE SIGNAL WHISTLE.
The door of the shadowed house on Euclid Avenue opened and two bearded men came out. As they descended the steps they[they] mumbled in low tones to each other. Neither of them saw certain shadowy figures lurking in the dark places, nor suspected the fact that the house was under surveillance. Nor did they become aware of the fact that they were followed as they walked away. These men were the ruffians, Sam and Bill, who had kidnapped the hunchback boy. From the house they proceeded to a saloon several blocks away. Entering this saloon, they sat down at a table in a little back room and ordered drinks.
“Well, pal,” growled Bill, “we’ve got our coin.”
“Yes, we’ve got it,” returned the other, “and I suppose we ought to be satisfied.”
“Are you satisfied?”
“I call it a measly, bum price for the job we done.”
They drank the liquor placed before them and ordered cigars.