THE BRASS BOWL
don't never seem to think nothin' of yer duties to soci'ty."
Anisty airily waved the indictment aside. "Moreover, I have lost nothing. You see, I happened in just at the right moment; our criminal friend got nothing for his pains. The jewels are safe. Reason Number Two: Having retained my property, I hold no grudge against Anisty."
"Well—I dunno"
"And as for reason Number Three: I don't care to have this affair advertised. If the papers get hold of it they'll cook up a lot of silly details that'll excite the cupidity of every thief in the country, and make me more trouble than I care to—ah—contemplate."
Hickey's eyes glistened. "Of course, if yeh want it kept quiet" he suggested significantly.
Anisty's hand sought his pocket. "How much?"
"Well, I guess I can leave that to you. Yeh oughttuh know how bad yeh want the matter hushed."
"As I calculate it, then, fifty ought to be enough
146
