"It is," Irwin agreed; "but your arrest would be a worse one—for you."
"We may have to go the limit," said Quirk.
"Then," said Irwin, "you'd better go it. That's no affair of mine."
§8. "This time," said Quirk, "you've got till to-night to make up your mind."
He was talking to Police-Lieutenant Donovan. It was just after lunch-time.
"What about?" asked Donovan.
"Whether you want to bluff us again or lose your job."
"We never did bluff you."
"Well, then: whether you want to get those letters or get fired. Not try to get them: get them. It's get them or get out." All the kindliness and good-fellowship was missing from Quirk's voice. "It's one thing or the other. We got evidence to fire you on. You knew we had, last time I talked to you. Well, they were easy on you then, Hughie. This time they mean business."
Donovan looked at Quirk.