egularity.

Dan gave full rein to his mirth, for this method of playing the
detective seemed to him very comical; but Seth checked him whenever his
laughter became boisterous.

"If he sees us pokin' fun at him we won't be able to make any kind of a
trade, an' I don't want to stir the feller up till things are fixed."

"What things?"

"I want him to promise that he won't go prowlin' 'round the town after
Jip Collins."

"See here, Seth, are you countin' on keepin' that racket up?"

"If you mean am I goin' to give Jip a lift by tryin' to keep that
imitation detective quiet, I'll say 'yes.' We both have got good reason
to be mighty ugly because he burned us out; but it's all over now, an'
he's sorry. Let's give him one more show--you an' I--an' if he goes
wrong after this I won't say a word against your doin' whatever you
like."

The lines on Dan's face hardened as if he was determined nothing should
turn him from his purpose of punishing Jip in such manner as he believed
the latter's misdemeanors warranted; but after one glance at his
partner the anger vanished.

"Go ahead, Seth, an' fix it up to suit you; I'll do what I can this
time, even if it does rub against the grain. It ain't because I'm
feelin' sorry for Jip; but jest to please you."

"So long as you do what I ask it don't make very much difference whether
it's for Jip or me, an' you won't be sorry, old man. Now we'll tackle
Sam, an' see if we can make him behave himself for a spell."

"I reckon you'll find that a mighty hard job. He's stuck on the
detective business as bad as you are on gettin' into the Department, an'
this is the kind of a case he don't get a whack at very often. I s'pose
he thinks that catchin' Jip would put him way up on the top notch."

Seth did not spend any time arguing the matter with his partner; but
called loudly to the would-be detective:

"Hi! Sam! Come over here a minute!"

Master Barney pretended not to have heard the summons, although the
words rang out clear and distinct above the noises of the street; but
continued his grotesque manner of reconnoitering the alley, and again
Seth shouted:

"Come over here, Sam! There's no need of your bobbin' 'round in that
style, 'cause nobody is in the alley except a couple of little kids,
who wouldn't be very much frightened if you walked right up on 'em."

This time Sam turned, affected to be greatly surprised at seeing these
acquaintances, and then crossed the street, apparen