"Belcher's price for receiving instructions how to trap Frisco," scoffed Herrick. "Do you think I don't know that Santiago taught the cipher to your damned partner."
"You might be civil Dr. Herrick."
"I shall be what I please. You were engaged by me to do certain business, and you have done it badly. Had I wanted Frisco caught I should have told you. Now just you let me know, how it all came about."
"What about the reward sir?"
"I'll see to that. You fools--to go against me like this. I can do your business considerable damage by telling the way you have tricked me."
"Oh, sir! you won't do that," growled Kidd now thoroughly frightened.
"It all depends upon how you conduct yourself. The harm is done, but I must know how Santiago managed the business."
"It was this way sir," replied the cowed Kidd. "Belcher watched the foreign cove sir, and kept out of sight. But the Don knew him from going to the gambling club."
"Ah! that's another matter I can spoil for you Kidd. I know too much of your shady business for you to play the fool with me. Go on man."
It took Kidd all he knew, to keep his temper under this speech. But he knew that Dr. Herrick would do what he had threatened if he was not implicitly obeyed. Had Jim been a smaller man, Kidd might have tried conclusion with his fists; but he knew Herrick too well, to attempt such folly. Once upon a time Kidd had seen the doctor thrash a larger and much heavier man. From that day, he resolved never to have a fight with a man so versed in the noble art as this high-tempered gentleman.