"Shut the door, Siwash," said Murgatroyd.
"That looks like we was a-goin' ter talk over things that was mighty important," said Siwash Charley as he closed the door.
"We are."
"You're an ole fox, all right," chuckled the other; "reg'lar ole gouger. Money layin' around ev'rywheres," Siwash added, his eyes on the desk where the money paid by Mrs. Traquair had been left.
"There's a hundred and fifty in that pile, Siwash," said Murgatroyd. "If you agree to help me, I'll give you that; and, if you carry out the work successfully, I'm going to give you a hundred and fifty more."
Siwash Charley's eyes opened wide.
"Must be somethin' mighty tough on ter make ye loosen up like that," said he. "Mebby it's so tough I won't dast ter touch it."
"I guess it's not too tough for you," returned Murgatroyd dryly.
"I've done a heap o' things fer you, Murg, as won't bear the searchin' light o' day," observed Siwash Charley. "From now on, though, I'm a-goin' ter be a leetle keerful."
"If you don't want the job," rapped out the broker, "say so, and I'll get somebody else."