He beckoned to Harry, who rose from the chair and joined Cronin in the corner opposite the indignant Wally.
"Listen," said Cronin, placing one hand upon Harry's shoulder and speaking low in his ear. "I've got a plan, but it takes nerve to work it. You're just the fellow I've been looking for. You see, it's this way—"
* * *
Something caught Vincent in the back of the neck. His teeth clicked as his head went backward. A hand was planted against his chin, and the side of his head was driven against the wall. Just before he felt the blow, he heard the sneering laugh of Steve Cronin. Then consciousness left him, and his body slumped to the floor.
"Jujutsu stuff, Wally," chuckled Cronin. "He's out, and he'll stay out."
"What's the idea, Steve?" asked the amazed Wally. "Ain't you going to let him work with us?"
"This guy? You must be crazy."
"What did you tell him all your business for then?"
"To make him believe me."
"You could have given him a phony story, Steve."