Joe Ding seemed sincere.
Harry responded heartily.
Thanking the Chinaman, he promised that he should be well paid if he carried out his plan.
"I hope you will let up on that money business," Joe said. "I warn you, it is at the risk of your lives if you follow it up."
"Look here, Joe," replied Harry, "that's all right. I can only promise to tell Old King Brady what you say. He will do as he pleases, but there was a boy mixed up in that business. What about him? Is he alive or dead?"
"Ask me nothing," replied Joe Ding. "I can tell nothing, nor will I. I am here to help you, and that is just as far as I'm going—see?"
Harry gave up then, as there seemed to be no other way.
Joe Ding now unlocked the door, and telling Harry to wait, went out through the passage and was gone for some moments.
At last he returned and announced that the coast was clear.
"Come along," he added. "If I can only get you safe out on Pell street it is all I ask, but understand one thing, if we are spotted, I beat it. You will have to look out for yourself in that case. I have my own life to save."