“Hold on,” said Nick, “those are too small. Besides, they are medicated, are they not?”
“Nothing but pure sugar,” said the clerk, putting a few into his mouth and chewing them with evident relish.
“That ain’t what I want,” said Nick, stepping around to the show case where a line of marbles and toys were displayed. “I want just one about the size of one of those marbles. It must be perfectly round and smooth and hard. Can you make one?”
“I certainly can.”
“Well, do so at once.[{56}]”
The clerk retired behind the screen, and in a few minutes came out and stood behind the counter facing the detective.
“I’ve got it made just as you ordered, but it will take a few moments to dry.”
“It will be hard, will it?”
“As hard as a rock.”
Nick purchased some cigars, and sat down by the window to smoke.