The salesman glanced at the case beneath the array of instruments. “We have the largest supply in London,� he said. “Could you pick what you want from this assortment?�
“Well, there was a satch—, a doctor’s bag, for one thing. Something nice in black alligator. Say a three-pound bag. Would it be about this long?â€�
Fay spread his hands to show two feet in length.
“We have that size in genuine alligator for three and ten.�
“Nicely!� said Fay. “I take one. Now,� he added, “I may as well pick out the instruments for my brother. You can get the bag later and put them in it.�
The salesman opened the case and started lifting up trays filled with highly polished instruments. Fay set aside a tempered artery-forceps which would also answer to turn a key in a lock. It was known in the underworld as an “insider.�
“My brother,� he said lightly, “will be pleased with this. Now what is that big instrument?�
“That is used in obstetrics.�
“Just what he wanted. Put that with the forceps.� Fay shaded his face and smiled. The obstetric instrument when taken apart would make a high-grade jimmy.
He leaned down and indicated a tray. “Three of those,� he said, pointing to bone saws which could be employed equally as well against wood or iron.