"When you want me, Mr. Inspector," he said, "don't have any delinquency in sendin' for me. I surmise I can contribute some valuable evidence on the point of guns, games, and such."
The Inspector glared at him.
"I'll take my gun," he said.
"Your gun? Why, cert! Did you drop it somewheres? Perhaps if you look round when the light's good you'll find it. Slimey, here, will help you. I'm pretty nigh certain you'll extradite that weapon in the morning. Good-night."
With a curse the Inspector passed out.
"Now, Ikey," said The Kid coolly, "stand aside, for there is a cur here that had the audacity to throttle me."
With these words he sprang past Shock, seized the stranger by the throat, cuffed him with his open hand, and dragging him to the door sent him forth with a parting kick and an imprecation.
"Now, Macfarren," he said, turning to that gentleman, who still sat by the table, "you have some money not belonging to you. Put it on the table."
Without a moment's hesitation Macfarren hastily poured forth from his pocket poker-chips, gold pieces, and bills.
"I assure you, Mr. Stanton," he hurried to say, "I was simply holding them till the—ah trouble should be over."