"I see. Don't you think it's about time you did? It's his money that made your fortune."
"He was no good. Nobody knew him. So far as I ever heard, nobody ever asked about him."
"Nevertheless he must have had some friends somewhere."
"Maybe. I don't know. I'm willing to help them if I can, providing this thing can be kept quiet." And then, pleadingly, "You're not going to talk—to use it against me, Nichols?"
Peter's pity for McGuire had come back. The man's terror, his desperation of the past weeks had burned him out, worn him to a shell.
"No, I'm not going to talk. Hawk Kennedy didn't dare tell what you've told me. That's why I believe you."
"And you'll stay on here and help me?"
"Yes——We'll see how we can balk Hawk Kennedy."
"I'll pay him fifty thousand—a hundred thousand—for that agreement——"
"Not a dollar. I've got a better use for your money than that."