"He's one of 'em, that's all I know. I've been on him for a week. I've trailed him everywhere. He has an accomplice—a woman!"
The Chief's face underwent a remarkable change. "Are you sure?" he whispered, eagerly.
"It's a cinch! He comes to the fruit-stand every day. I think he's after blackmail, but I'm not sure."
"Good!" Dan exclaimed. "I want you to trail him wherever he goes, and, above all, watch the woman. Now tear back to your banana rookery or you'll miss something. Better have a drink first, though."
"I'll go you; it's tough work on the nerves. I'm all upset."
"I thought you never drank whiskey," Norvin said, still amazed at the extraordinary transformation in his friend.
"I don't as a rule, it kippers my stomach; but it gives me the courage of a lion."
Donnelly nodded with satisfaction. "Don't get pickled, but keep your nerve. Remember, I'm depending on you."
Dreux's slender form writhed and shuddered as he swallowed the liquor, but his eyes were shining when he rose to go. "I'm glad I'm making good," said he. "If anything happens to me, keep your eye skinned for that fellow; there's dirty work afoot."
When he had gone Donnelly stuck his napkin into his mouth to still his laughter. "'There's dirty work afoot,'" he quoted in a strangling voice. "Can you beat that?"