Meanwhile Al, without turning his back, carefully moved over to the glass counter that sheltered appetizing trays of éclairs, plum cakes and cream puffs and, whistling a melancholy note, locked the door, scanned the counter, and placed a foot on the cover of the jigger tub.
Doc Macnooder, whose round, bullet head and little rhinoceros eyes had followed the hostile preparation, said sorrowfully:
"Al-bert, your conduct grieves us."
"Go ahead, now," said Al in a tired voice.
"Go ahead?" said Macnooder, looking in surprise at the equally impassive Tennessee Shad.
"What's the flimflam to-day?"
"Al," said Macnooder, in his most persuasive tones, "you wrong me. My motives are honorable. At four o'clock this very afternoon Turkey Reiter will proceed to cash a check and settle for a fountain pen, a pair of suspenders and a safety razor I sold him. Just trust me till then—will you?"
"Nothing doing," said Al.
"Honor bright, Al!"
"No use."