“'What—why—what kind of a place IS this, Barzilla?' whispers Jonadab, scared.
“'Sh-h-h!' says I. 'Land knows. Just set quiet and hang on to your watch.'
“'But—but I want to find Kelly,' says he.
“'I'd give somethin' to find a back door,' says I. 'Ain't this a collection of dock rats though! If this is a part of your dream, Jonadab, I wish you'd turn over and wake up. Oh land! here's one murderer headin' this way. Keep your change in your fist and keep the fist shut.'
“A more'n average rusty peep, with a rubber collar on and no necktie, comes slinkin' over to us. He had a smile like a crack in a plate.
“'Say, gents,' he says, 'have you made your bets yet? I've got a dead straight line on the handicap,' says he, 'and I'll put you next for a one spot. It's a sure t'ing at fifteen to three. What do you say?'
“I didn't say nuthin'; but that fool dream was rattlin' round in Jonadab's skull like a bean in a blowgun, and he sees a chance for a shot.
“'See here, mister,' he says. 'Can you tell me where to locate Mr. Kelly?'
“'Who—Pete?' says the feller. 'Oh, he ain't in just now. But about that handicap. I like the looks of youse and I'll let youse in for a dollar. Or, seein' it's you, we'll say a half. Only fifty cents. I wouldn't do better for my own old man,' he says.
“While the Cap'n was tryin' to unravel one end of this gibberish I spoke up prompt.