"What is it to you, so long as we're satisfied?" Dan asked sharply.
"See here, ain't I a detective?"
"I ain't so certain of that," Master Roberts cried promptly.
"I guess other people know it if you don't, 'cause I've had more'n one case in this town. Now, so long as that is my business I'm bound to take up anythin' I hear about, an'——"
"Other detectives don't do that; they wait till the chief sends 'em out, or somebody hires 'em."
Dan's reply staggered Sam for an instant; but he soon bethought himself of what seemed to be the proper answer, and replied:
"That would be all right if I was on the force; but so long as I ain't it stands me in hand to work my way along, same's Seth's tryin' to do in the Fire Department. If I can catch Jip Collins and send him up the river, it'll be a big feather in my cap."
"Would you be willin' to send a feller to jail so's you might get ahead in the business?" Seth asked reproachfully.
"Course I would."
"Ain't there anythin' we can do to stop you from tryin' to run Jip down?"