"Yes. But what about that little business of the postage-stamp robbery out in Trenton?"
"Why, I didn't have no hand in that."
"Well, two of your pals did, and when they were caught and sent up they were square enough not to peach on you. The Mulberry Street crowd did not know how thick you were with those boys, or you might have got into trouble. But I knew, and you know that I knew."
"Well, what if you did? I tell you I wasn't in that."
"You would not like to be obliged to prove where you were that night, would you?"
"Oh, I suppose it's always hard to prove I was one place, when fellows like you go on the stand and swear I was somewhere else. So, as I said before, what's the use of courtin' trouble?"
"Now you are sensible, and as I said, I am not after you. All I want is some information. Give me another cocktail, and have one yourself."
"Thanks, I will. Go ahead with your catechism; I'll answer so long as you don't try to make me squeal on any of my friends. I'd go up before I'd do that. And you know that."
"That's all right. I know you're square, and that is why I feel sure you would not be mixed up in a murder."
"Murder?"