“And nothing less than birds, as well,” said the girl Merton had called Bess.
“His layout will knock spots out of a ten-dollar note,” said Patsy.
“You know who it is?” asked Bess.
“Know the man,” replied Chick; “his name is Lannigan.”
“That’s right,” said Bess.
“Do you know the woman who is with him?” asked Chick.
“No. She was never seen here until three nights ago, and she was with him then.”
“See here, Bess,” said Merton. “These two friends of mine are on the same lay that I am. They want to know all about a woman traveling with Lannigan. I don’t know why, and I ain’t asking. And you don’t want to ask why, either. But if you can help them, you’ll be helping me.”
“And the price will be the same from me,” said Chick, “as it is from Merton when you are working for him.”
“The price isn’t much,” said Bess, with a laugh. “It’s only a tenner for an evening’s work. I think I can help you, but I don’t know. I’ll try.”