“Well,” said Burke, darkly, “that’s a declaration of war.”
“That is my duty!”
For a few moments there was silence. Then Burke said:
“Yes, it is!”
“An’ you make war on us?”
“Ye don’t know what ye’re doin’. No man ever run up ag’in’ us that didn’t get the worst of it. Nuthin’ kin save ye if we git after ye. Don’t fergit that. Ye’ll have a hot race fer life!”
“All right,” said the old detective, rising, “you understand me, and I understand you.”
“You are satisfied to let it go at that?” asked Collins.
“Yes.”
“Very well. You will know what it is to fight the Tough Trio!”