“Mr. Fogg,” pleaded the man, giving Mayo an understanding nudge with his elbow, “ain't you going to give me a chance for a private talk?”
“If you ever speak to me or try to see me again I'll have you arrested.”
“But you're dumping me.”
“Get out of this room, both of you! I don't want the police up here.”
Mayo clapped hand on his prisoner's shoulder and pushed him out.
“Go down-stairs slow,” protested the man. “He is bound to come out and call me back! He's got to! He doesn't dare to dump me!”
“He dares to do anything,” stated Mayo, bitterly, “including what he did to me and the Montana. I suppose you read about it—everybody else did.”
They walked leisurely, but Mr. Fogg's door remained closed. They waited in the office of the hotel. He did not appear.
“By Judas!” rasped the man, “another two-spot torn up and thrown into the discard along with you! And I helped 'em do it to you! I'm coming across, Mayo! That telephone business was a mighty friendly trick to help me force him. I appreciate it! I was on board the Montana that night you and she got yours! My name is Burkett—Oliver. I was there, though you didn't see me.”
“I heard you were there, afterward,” stated Captain Mayo, grimly. “Captain Wass mentioned you!”