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172 for the organisation. You are, after all, an outsider, and Chu-Chu is one of us. He has no friends, but a great many admirers. Few men will work with him after having had the opportunity to observe his methods. Not long ago, when on a bank job in the south, he strangled the watchman whom he had previously corrupted and offered a share for holding his tongue. One of my younger men who assisted him protested. 'What does it matter?' asked Chu-Chu. 'It is cheaper than paying him, and the fellow is not one of our crowd. He is only an amateur. Myself, I respect only the professionals.' That is Chu-Chu. He would rather kill than not. Some day he will spoil everything. I have had enough of him. I hope that you manage to kill him, Mr. Clamart. He is no longer to be trusted, and it is even possible that if caught he might turn State's Evidence. He is an egoist a rank egoist."

"Then you will stand neutral yourself?" I asked.

"Absolutely. I will do more than that. If opportunity offers I might even give you a little unofficial help. Now I must go. I wish you good luck. You will need it. And a word in your ear; look out for an Oriental-looking person with one nostril much larger than the other. He is Chu-Chu's servant. Some say he is Chu-Chu's brain. Now I must go. Au revoir and the best of luck."

And out he went and jumped into his taxi and whirled off.