you I appreciate your timely
help."

Then turning to the others, and regaining his wonted smile and easy
manner, he continued,

"Gentlemen, you are somewhat insistent in your hospitality. It is
always instructive, and sometimes pleasant, to extend our knowledge of
our friends, and now let me say that a more blackguardly lot of thieves
I have never met, and if this gentleman who has dropped in so
opportunely will kindly stand at my back for a few minutes, I shall be
delighted to make good my words by slapping your faces" The Kid's tone
was low and gentle, even sweet.

"Mr. Macfarren, your venerable beard prevents me. Simmons, your general
sliminess protects you, but as for you, Inspector Haynes, it gives me
great pleasure to express my opinion of you--thus!"

His open hand flashed out as he spoke and caught Haynes on the cheek a
stinging blow.

With an oath the Inspector jerked out his pistol and sprang at him. "I
arrest you, sir, in the name of the Queen. Move your hand and you are a
dead man."

"So be you, Mr. Inspector," drawled a quiet voice in the door.

Shock turned, and to his unspeakable amazement saw his sick friend
standing with his gun covering the Inspector.

"One step back, please, Mr. Inspector. Quick! This trigger goes mighty
easy. Now, right wheel!"

The Inspector hesitated a second. "Quick!" cried Ike sharply. "Don't
you fool too long obeyin' orders. I aint used to it. I'm here
exercisin' a public function, preventin' murder, in short, and I'll
drop you in your tracks if you don't move at the next word. You here
me? And if you don't intend to move at the next word, say your prayers
in this interval. Now then, back up to that table and put down that
gun. Correct. Very nice, indeed."

Ike's voice took on more and more of its customary drawl.

"Now, two steps forward. Right. Now, you can--go--to--the--devil!"

Ike stepped to the table, took up the pistol, and returned to his place
at the door, saying:

"Say, boss, this prayer meetin's over. Let's go home."

"Not until the Inspector says so," said The Kid, who had recovered
himself, and who was now quite sober. "He has the word now, Ikey, so
don't interfere."

"All right, Kiddie, play your game. You're equivalent to it, I surmise."

"I think so," said the Kid sweetly. Then, turning to the Inspector, he
continued in a voice of gentle consideration, "There is something on
your cheek, Inspector Haynes. You have not observed it. Allow me to