Billings came a step nearer, so that he could look into the face of the detective. Then he uttered an ejaculation of astonishment.
“Mr. Carter!”
“Yes. And this is Chick by my side. You know him, and Patsy Garvan!”
“Sure I do!”
“Say, Bonesy,” put in Kid Plang behind impatiently, “what’s all this guff you’re giving us? Who are these guys? None of ’em is Howard Milmarsh. I know that. And they ain’t Louden Powers nor Andrew Lampton, either, I’m willing to bet. Lead us up them stairs if you’re goin’ to. If not, I’ll do it!”
Kid Plang tried to push past Billings. One sweep of Bonesy’s powerful arm sent him down among the others in a disgruntled heap.
There was a hubbub of shouting and grumbling, and Bonesy turned to shake his fist at them as he bellowed:
“Shut up down there, or I’ll come an’ lick some of you! Can’t you see I’m talking to a gentleman for the benefit of all of us?”
“It don’t look like it,” growled Plang, as, he got to his feet, but carefully kept out of reach of Bonesy’s arm and fist.