“And you want my star, or one like it?”
“Um hum!” with sudden emphasis.
Van Vernet lays a hand on the shoulder of the idiot, and then says:
“Listen, Charlie. I want you to help me to-night. Wait,” for Charlie has doubled himself up in a convulsion of laughter. “Now, if you’ll stand right by me, and tell me what I want to know, you and I will do some splendid work, and both get promoted. You will get a new star, big and bright, and a uniform all covered with bright buttons. Hold on,” for Charlie is dancing in an ecstasy of delight. “What do you say? Will you come with me, and work for your star and uniform?”
Charlie’s enthusiastic gestures testify to his delight at this proposition.
“Um hum,” he cries gleefully; “Charlie go; Charlie be big p’liceman.”
And as if suddenly realizing the dignity of his new employment, he ceases his antics and struts sedately up and down before Vernet and his assistants. Then turning to the detective, with a doleful whine, he extends his hand, saying;
“Gimme star now.”
“Not now, Charlie; you must earn it first. I had to earn mine. Do you know the way to Devil’s alley?”
“Um hum!”