siness--something that would bring a profit. Remember?
Well, he didn't mention the man's name; but without realizing it, right
in the middle of the talk he let out the nature of his occupation."

"What was that?" asked Scanlon.

"The man was a burglar."

CHAPTER XII

A DOUBLE SHADOW

This was the extent of Dennison's knowledge except the detail he called
after them as they were leaving the room a little later.

"I say," he cried, rising in sudden recollection, "do you know any sort
of a place that goes by the name of 'Gaffney's'?"

"No," replied the investigator over his shoulder. "Why?"

"I think that's where Burton was to meet the party--the one I just
mentioned, you know. It just came to me."

On the street the big athlete said to Ashton-Kirk:

"Burton knew Big Slim, and had a little job framed up with him, eh?
Well, that knocks me over, for sure."

"It's odd," said Ashton-Kirk, "how things seem to fall into place."
Scanlon saw the light of speculation in the singular eyes, but made no
comment. A little later the investigator went on: "That you should have
this rather extraordinary experience of yours with Big Slim, and now--"

He paused, deep in thought; and as he did not resume, Bat said:

"Nora knows this crook; now we find that the Bounder knew him too; and
they both have had dealings of some sort with him."

But Ashton-Kirk was deep in thought, and made no reply. They continued
to walk on, the squares lengthening into miles; on the outskirts he
suddenly stopped.

"Hello!" said he, looking about, rather surprisedly. "We're here, are
we?"

"I thought I wouldn't disturb you, seeing that you seemed to be
thrashing it out," said Scanlon.

The criminologist looked at his watch.

"There's a subway station only a little way from here," said he. "Let's
get back. There's one or two things I want to do."

They boarded the train and as they neared the middle of the city the
investigator said:

"I get off at the next station. If you don't mind, look up Big Slim once
again and see what more you can learn from him. If there is anything,
call me at eleven to-morrow; if I'm not there, leave word where you can
be reached by wire."

"Right," said Mr. Scanlon.

Ashton-Kirk dropped off at the next station and vanished in the crowd;
Bat held his place for several stations further; then he, too,
alighted. Walking a few blocks, he came to the meaner sections; the
buildings looked huddled and slovenl