Bat, still standing upon the chair, faced the speaker, assuming a nonchalance he did not feel.
"A couple of friends of mine are over there," explained he. "Little joke on them, see? Didn't know this room was occupied."
"Friends of yours, eh?" The man with the lean jaw stuck his head forward, and a wide grin showed several black teeth. "You look like a fairly respectable guy; and to hear you hook yourself up with a pair of yeggs is a jolt to me." Then suddenly the speaker rose and tossed the pistol upon the bed. In an altered voice he continued: "Suppose you get down off that chair, old top, and let me have a look at the proceedings."
As he said this there was a look of amusement in his eyes; something seemed to fall from him which changed his aspect. With a gasp of wonder Bat Scanlon leaped down and grasped his hand.
"Kirk!" said he, "Kirk, by George!"
CHAPTER XIV
Ashton-Kirk Visits Headquarters
For a moment Bat Scanlon stood looking at the disguised investigator, an expression of almost incredulity upon his face.
"I see it's you!" spoke he. "But, just the same, I feel like denying it."