“Yeah,” said young Bob decisively. “We’re going to make a stab at it tonight. At least, you and Clink are. I’m going to stay right here.
“As soon as Clink comes in, you and he go to meet the Chief. Get your final instructions from him.”
The big man nodded. His iron-jawed face was sullen. His eyes gleamed with a murderous look.
Bob Galvin saw that look, and a sordid grin appeared upon his face. The young man’s expression became one of brutality.
“After tonight,” remarked Briggs suddenly. “What then?”
“If things go right,” returned his companion, “it will be all jake. If they don’t, we’ll have to play the game like we figured it.
“You’ll be Briggs — Briggs, the butler, or whatever we call you — the guy I hired because old Hodgson was getting feeble.”
“He wasn’t so feeble three nights ago,” retorted Briggs.
“You’re right,” said Bob. “But people don’t know that. The girl is the only one we’ve got to bluff. I sent Hodgson off on a long vacation, that’s all. Thought he needed it. Big-hearted stuff, you know.”
“Briggs, the butler,” said the big man with a grin. “Well, Briggs is a good name and it happens to be my own.