"Good. And?"
"Well, sir, he's been following the usual line o' battle, murder an' sudden death. 'T'other night, sir, he an' his pardners was havin' a drink in a private room. Greasy had a drop on board. He was layin' on hot about the Police, 'cause he said you'd arrested an' put in jug one o' his main pushes—No-nose Joe."
"That's true. He didn't like the idea?"
"He didn't, sir. 'Pears he's scart Joe will let out some plan or other Greasy's got in his head."
"I see. Well, Perkins, No-nose hasn't had a word to say. I've tried everything, bar torture, and he won't open his mouth. I want to learn how he got through the pass and what he's doing here and in disguise—he's grown a beard, you know. But he won't talk."
"Would you like me to try an' find out from Greasy, sir?"
"Yes, if you can. But I don't want you shot. Last spring one of my best men was shot dead by Greasy's gang a few days after reporting here to me. It may have been accidental. Yet he hadn't learned much. He gave me useful information about Greasy but I doubt if it was worth his life."
"I'll be all right, sir. I'll be thick as thieves with Greasy soon. There's another thing you oughta know, sir. There's a lot o' feelin' runnin' against the Force. Shouldn't be surprised if they tries to rush the pass, or somethin'. It's not safe for even six policemen to be seen on the streets in Prospect now, sir—take it from me."
"I know that, Perkins. Any more meetings?"
"No, sir, but the guys at the theatres spout long spiels, all sayin' there oughta be a change in Black Elk Territory an' the yallah-legs should be swept away."