"Largely, yes."
"You suspected something, and wanted to find out if it was so. Well, you came into a bad neighbourhood. We are not nice to your kind around here. What really caused your seeking me?"
"I do not know that I did," West answered honestly. "In fact I haven't the slightest idea who you are."
The other laughed.
"So you are as green as that. Then I'll give you the information. My name is Hobart, Jim Hobart. I am the guy you were looking for?"
"Yes," West admitted, seeing no reason to refuse an answer.
"I thought so, although darned if I know how you ever located me here. However, the sooner we come to some understanding, the better. What do you know about me?"
"Nothing."
"Is that so! You knew my name when I spoke it. It was the Coolidge matter that sent you hunting me. Oh, hell, you might as well cough up, West, for I've got your number. You thought the girl was here, didn't you?"
"I had reason to believe she came here."