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162 credited petty officials who open private detective agencies and starve. Bring me the note, call it square, and I'll make your career."

He was his own debonair, smiling, slightly ironic self again; and Odell studied him reflectively for a moment before replying. In the light of the revelation which had come to him since entering the room his theory, weak and scarcely tenable as he had known it in his heart to be, had been utterly demolished; and the detective realized that he had clung to it only because no other possible explanation of the mystery presented itself.

Could Farley Drew furnish him with the information of which he boasted? Was it within his power to supply the motive for this seemingly purposeless series of crimes? He had spoken, too, of strong circumstantial evidence of the identity of their perpetrator; if he were not bluffing in his turn would it not be well to agree to his terms?

The note in itself would not be a necessary factor in his prosecution on a separate charge with Gene's testimony available; and it appeared extremely unlikely that any charge would be brought. On the other hand, Odell's repugnance rose against entering into any traffic with this social leech; and in a swift revulsion from momentary discouragement his self-confidence returned.

What could Drew know which he might not discover for himself? Why stoop to bargain with this parasite and thereby tacitly admit his inability to solve the case unaided when every opportunity lay before him? His investigation was still only in a preliminary stage, and he resolved that not except as a final resort would he compromise with the man before him.