Max was standing on the other side of the lamp, and Carrie did not see him. She announced her errand at once in a straightforward and matter-of-fact manner.
"Dick Barker's been nabbed for stealing a watch. You've got to get him off."
"What do you mean? I've got to get him off?" cried Dudley, indignantly.
Carrie laughed.
"It's the message I was told to give you; that's all."
"Well, take this message back: that I refuse to have anything to do with your pickpocket."
Carrie turned to the door.
"All right. I'm to say that to Mrs. Higgs?"
"Stop!" thundered Dudley.
Carrie paused, with her hand on the door.