He waited until his friend had attended to the wants of a customer, and until the customer had consumed a glass of beer and departed. Then he called the bartender into a corner.
“Mr. Finnegan,” he said, “I want to know something very important.”
“What is it?” asked the other.
“Do you know Mr. Hickman—Henry Hickman, the lawyer?”
“He's not on my calling list,” said Finnegan. “I know him by sight.”
“I've heard it said that he had something to do with beating a water bill in the city council. Did he?”
“You bet your life he did!” said the bartender with a grin.
“Is it true that he bought up the council?”
“You bet your life it's true!”
“And is it true that Mr. Callahan got some of the money?”