"Keep it up, old top!" he shouted, slapping Ford on the back. "Cough it out. Spit up the facts. We'll enjoy 'em."
Ford gave a knowing smirk.
"No, Bill," was his insinuating reply. "I ain't telling all I know. I'll let it off at the regular time."
For McClure and Sykes his words had a disquieting significance. How much did Ford know? Beyond all doubt he had an inkling of the facts.
"None of this little party know what Nick is raving about," said Sykes. "Nick's had a peculiar dream. Louie's poison got him a little differently from Rob. Let us forget the gab and every man hit the bottom of his glass. There's a tankful left. Watch us touch the high spots in this little game."
He pointed to the cards.
There was a roar of applause.
"No you don't," said Nick determinedly. "It's bye, bye, boys, for me. I'm taking a walk to myself."
"Take me along," cried Snoopy Bill, rising and joining him.
The gang watched the two delinquents lock arms and pass out into the barroom. No man made a move to obstruct them. Any such attempt would have been organized by either McClure or Sykes and for some reason they were silent.