“Has that crook set up in business again?”
“No doubt of it. I have been in his place this afternoon,” said Chick.
Perhaps the reader does not know Ellis Benton so well as the three persons who were present on the occasion described.
Therefore, it may be necessary to explain that Benton is an Englishman, about fifty years old, who has been notorious at various times, as a receiver of stolen goods.
He is undoubtedly one of the sharpest rascals in his line of business, and has made a great deal of money dishonestly. It does not do him much good, however, for he plays faro and never wins.
His enormous losses at the game make him all the more daring and grasping. His success in disposing of stolen jewels is especially remarkable.
“I’ve been in his place,” said Chick, “and I’ve learned that he has important business for to-night.”
“I offered to bring him a lot of stuff at midnight. He wouldn’t hear of it. His answers to my questions made me sure that he has something big on hand.
“What do you suspect?” asked the inspector.