“Were you around Dawson?” Mason inquired.
“Yep, all through that country.”
“They had some wild dance halls in Dawson, didn’t they?”
“Depends on what you call wild. A man could get lots of action. I’ve seen wilder places.”
“Know any of the dance hall girls?” Mason inquired.
“Some.”
“Ever know Emily Milicant before she showed up here?” Mason asked.
Barkler didn’t answer the question for several seconds. He puffed at his pipe, his keen, frosty eyes regarding Mason through the white smoke.
“I’m checking out,” he said.
“Why?” Mason asked. “What’s the matter?”