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Rh The silence in the room had remained unbroken, and Odell was so deeply engrossed in his meditation that he had not noted the strained look of suspense which crept gradually over the face of his host. The mournful yowl of a cat in the alley brought him swiftly from his reverie, and he straightened in his chair.

"You have stated the case with admirable conciseness, Mr. Drew. Granted that I was bluffing and starting with the premise that you are not and that you really can supply the information you claim, I see no need for haste in the conclusion of the bargain you propose. I will at least guarantee that no official use will be made of the note until I have decided to reject or accept your proposition."

"An armistice?" Drew threw back his head and laughed aloud, and something in the quality of his tone made Odell eye him sharply. A swift and inexplicable change seemed to have come over the man, and when he spoke again it was with a note of irresistible amusement in his voice. "You fancy that you will not need the information which I can give you? You mean to continue the investigation on your own account until you are assured that you are up against a blank wall? Very well, Sergeant. I've made the offer and it stands open. When you decide as you ultimately must to accept my proposition communicate with my man at the Bellemonde Annex and I will get in touch with you."

He rose and unlocking the door leading into the alley he opened it and stepped aside.

"We have come to an understanding even though it may not be productive of immediate results, and the night is no longer young. I do not wish to appear inhospitable, but