"Don't you think it about time the police called a halt in this gunman matter?"
"Oh, so long as they pot each other the police look the other way. It saves a long trial and passage up the river. Besides, when they are nabbed some big politician manages to open the door for them. Great is the American voter."
"Take Mr. Norton's order, Luigi," said Braine.
"A German pancake, buttered toast and coffee," ordered the reporter.
"Man, eat something!"
"It's enough for me."
"And you'll go all the rest of the day on tobacco. I know something of you chaps. I don't see how you manage to do it."
"Food is the least of our troubles. By the way, may I ask you a few questions? Nothing for print, unless you've got a new book coming."
"Fire away."
"What do you know about the Countess Perigoff?"