All those who could show any right to enter the building crowded in, and among them was the constable whom Jet had recognized.
While his companions were amusing the visitors and themselves, he edged along as near this particular man as he could without exposing himself too freely, and during the pauses between the songs he was fortunate enough to overhear the following conversation between the fellow in whom he was interested and a brother constable:
"You've been away quite a while, eh, Jabe?"
"Only three weeks."
"Where was you?"
"'Tendin' to some private business."
"I thought when a man was elected constable he'd got to stay 'round in case he might be needed."
"I didn't ask for the office, an' don't intend to loaf here when there's a chance of makin' a dollar outside."
"What have you been up to?"
"That's my own business."