“Yes, sir,” said Billy Getz eagerly, “I’ve got something right in your line—something big; mighty big—and—say, detective, have you ever read ‘The Pale Avengers’?”
“I ain’t had that pleasure, Mr. Getz,” said Philo Gubb, straddling a stool.
“What’s the matter? You’re out of breath,” said Pie-Wagon.
“I been runnin’,” said Philo Gubb. “I had to run a little. Deteckatives have to run at times occasionally.”
“You bet they do,” said Billy Getz earnestly. “You ain’t been after the dynamiters, have you?”
“I am from time to time working upon that case,” said Philo Gubb with dignity.
“Well, you be careful. You be mighty careful! We can’t afford to lose a man like you,” said Billy Getz. “You can’t be too careful. Got any of the ghouls yet?”
“Not yet,” said Philo Gubb stiffly. “It’s a difficult case for one that’s just graduated out of a deteckative school. It’s like Lesson Nine says—I got to proceed cautiously when workin’ in the dark.”
“Or they’ll get you before you get them,” said Billy Getz. “Like in ‘The Pale Avengers.’ Here, I want you to read this book. It’ll teach you some things you don’t know about crooks, maybe.”
“Thank you,” said Philo Gubb, taking the dime novel. “Anything that can help me in my deteckative career is real welcome. I’ll read it, Mr. Getz, and—Look out!” he shouted, and in one leap was over the counter and crouching behind it.