"Howard, will you not let up on me?" he pleaded, humbly, his tone trembling with fear.

"What will I gain by it?" I artfully said.

"Why, they always let the one go who turns State's evidence," he said, eagerly. "Give me a chance, won't you?"

How disgusted I was with Stanton!

A traitor to the force, he was no sooner found out than he was ready to turn traitor to his pals.

"I'll promise you nothing," I coldly returned. "You can tell me what you please, and if I then think your information worthy of mercy to you, you shall have it."

"You always were a good fellow," he said, fawningly, "and I'll trust you."

"You must do exactly as I say."

"I will," he promptly answered.

An idea had occurred to me.