“I got in trouble,” said the yellow man. “I’m gwine git hit in de neck ef some one don’t he’p me mighty quick. Ef I hand you somethin’ is you gwine take it?”
“Sure,” said Philo Gubb.
“Grab it!” whispered the yellow man, and his hand slid the Dragon’s Eye into the hand of Philo Gubb.
The Chief moved nearer.
“I guess dey let me go whin dey git me to de calaboose,” said the yellow man in a louder voice. “Kaze I ain’ done nuffin’ nohow.”
“They’ll let you go when we get that ruby,” said the Chief meaningly; “and if we can prove it on you, you go to the pen’.”
Mr. Cross and Mr. Green returned with Mr. Beech.
“There he is,” said Mr. Cross, pointing to the wizard Gubb.
“Never saw him in my life!” said Mr. Beech. “Now, then, what is this now? What’s this story you—”
The paper-hanger detective arose and leaned close to Mr. Beech’s ear. He whispered three words and Mr. Beech’s attitude changed entirely.