He sprang up instantly; and, because he had laid himself down with nearly all his clothing still upon his person, he was not long in making himself ready. To have insulted the profession he had adopted by washing his face was not to be thought of.
"Gee! But I'm hungry!" he said to Handsome, who was standing near, waiting for him.
"Madge will give you something to eat. She is at her breakfast now," was the whispered reply. "She wants you."
"Then," said Nick, "if I am going into the presence of a lady, and am expected to eat with her, I'll have to wash my face and hands. Show me where."
Handsome laughed.
"I do it myself once in a while," he said. "Come with me."
And he led Nick to a place along a path through the swamp where he succeeded in giving himself a good wash—for Nick had the satisfaction of knowing that the stain he had used was of such a quality that it would defy water. Alcohol alone would remove it.
They found Madge on the doorstep, awaiting them; but Handsome paused at the edge of the clearing, and muttered:
"I leave you here, Dago. I'm not in this. You're to have this interview alone."
"All right," replied the detective, and was about to move on, when Handsome detained him by a gesture.