“Jimmy,” said Mr. Willing the following morning, “I want you to go to town and buy a new strong lock, one that cannot be opened from the outside. We will take no further chances with Jones and his crowd.”
“Very well, sir,” replied the boy, and a half hour later started on his way, riding one of the horses.
The lock purchased, Jimmy, in an unfrequented part of town, was just preparing to mount for his homeward journey, when a rude hand was suddenly laid on his shoulder. Jimmy turned about quickly and looked into the smiling face of Jones.
“You listen to me, son,” said Jones. “We haven’t been able to get together so far, but I still think I can make it worth your while to do what I ask.”
“I don’t want anything to do with you,” replied Jimmy.
“Come, now,” said Jones, “don’t be stubborn. Come with me to where we can talk without fear of being overheard.”
Jimmy hesitated.
“Perhaps I can learn something,” he told himself. Aloud he said: “All right.”
Jones smiled and led the way down the street. He turned in the door of what appeared to be a small hotel, and walked up the steps, Jimmy following.
Jones went into a little room, and drew two chairs up to the table that stood in the center.