Bill looks in doorway. Florence at mirror, about to loosen dress. Turns. Bill comes in. He says:
Cut-in leader—
"LISTEN, SIS—A GUY CROAKED ANOTHER FELLOW—A COP THINKS I DONE IT—I DIDN'T—SO HELP ME GOD!"
He is so pathetic in his fright that she is torn with sympathy.
81—"Cops" before "Brickdust Row." Night.
"Cops" decide to look in house—go in.
82—Ella's room. Gas-lit.
Florence moves close to Bill and finds gun. He nods—says:
Cut-in leader—
"THAT'S WHY I'M SCARED—IF THEY FIND IT THEY'LL PINCH ME—"[53]