window and your door are both locked. Be on the lookout all the time to see that they don’t get a chance to startle you into betraying yourself. Understand?
“They may get some one in to try to pump you. If they do, be as stupid as you can. You’re not supposed to be more than half-witted anyway.
“Dodge any one you know on the streets. Don’t speak to anybody, anywhere. Not even to me. No matter what happens, don’t make any outcry. If we get into a tight place, the fact that you ’re deaf and dumb is all that will save you from serious trouble. Our boys will be watching the house. And watching you on the streets. And if anything happens, let it happen—and keep quiet—and wait—and we ’ll get to you.”
“What ’s going to happen?” Barney asked, thrilled.
“Probably nothing at all,” Babbing said. “We ’re fishing—with you for bait. They may not rise to you. If they do, don’t worry
