“Where’s Hooks? What’s happened to him? He hasn’t shown up.”
“He took the bump.”
The men were close together, now.
“We’ve got to scram, Shifter,” growled Wheels. “It’s all gone sour. They’re after me. Got the men posted?”
“Yes.”
“Tell them to be ready. I’ve got the swag.”
SHIFTER, despite his consternation at these revelations, lost no time in giving a command. His voice sounded clearly through the darkness. Then, with Wheels Bryant, he hurried to open a door in the submarine building. The two men entered a large, square chamber, illuminated only by one dim light.
Even in that faint glow, Shifter made out his companion’s countenance as he looked, for the first time upon Wheels Bryant. A startled oath came from the dope king’s lips.
“You — you’re Rufus Cruikshank.”
“Yes,” responded Wheels tersely. “We’ll talk about it later. Let’s get going!”