"Now, partners," he stated, "there's all I got. Split it up and start even."
Murray's keen eyes swept his face, and read there a stubborn earnestness. It was not without an effort that Sandy had achieved this moment.
"Aw, hell!" broke out Hobbs. "Wot kind o' guys d'you take us for, Mac?"
"We're partners, aren't we?" affirmed Sandy. "Aiblins, now, one friend ought to help another and——"
"We're more than partners, Mac," said Murray quietly. "We're friends, as you say. Is it your proposition that we throw all we have into a common fund?"
"Just that," said Mackintavers doggedly. "Each one of us helps the other to get on his feet, eh?"
"And use the common funds for that purpose? I get you." Murray puffed a moment. "Well, Willyum, say your mind!"
"I say, Yes!" spoke up Bill Hobbs eagerly. "Mac's playin' on the level with us, ain't he? Well, then, meet him square. If all of us is goin' to be pals we——"
Murray made a gesture of assent, and reached under his armpit.
"Willyum was a hobo when we met," he said, "and hobos go heeled, Mac. I didn't leave St. Louis bone dry myself. Here's our contribution. We'll each drive a flivver from here, and if I were you, I'd convert this wad into travelers checks before we leave in the morning. They'll be good anywhere."