CHAPTER XV.
AJEEB’S GRIM HUMOR.
Billy Barry called upon his friend Ajeeb the afternoon Burt was laid out at Quick’s, and it was on the detective the conversation of the two former hinged. Barry and the high priest took possession of the latter’s library. It was Billy’s first visit since he had aided in entrapping Stolburst.
“Well, old man,” said the visitor, “how does your prisoner come on?”
“He has met with an accident.”
“An accident?” repeated Billy.
“Yes,” replied Ajeeb grimly, “he has lost one of his ears.”
Barry looked at his companion in astonishment. Although Ajeeb had so threatened, Billy did not believe he would torture Stolburst.
An ear gone! Barry repeated the phrase to himself. What a queer-looking object a person with one ear must be!
“Did you cut it off?”
“No,” replied Ajeeb smilingly, “Ashah attended to that little matter.”