"Now, will you be good?" asked Nick, smiling grimly.
"Yes, curse you," was the surly reply. "What do you want?"
"I want to talk to you."
"Well, talk on, can't you? I'm listening. Who are you, anyhow?"
"I'll tell you who I am," answered the detective, "and after I have done so, perhaps you will consent to listen to me. I am Nick Carter, the detective, and I want to make a little bit of use of you right now, Philip."
CHAPTER XXVI.
THE CRIMINAL'S COMPACT.
"How long have you been here in this room?" asked the detective sharply.
"I told you about a minute ago," was the surly reply. "About an hour."