"
Ernie hesitated, then broke out with an uneasy note in his voice. "You
said it would be worth a thousand and maybe more to me. Well, I'm
square with Dick. He divides with me. I want to let him in on anything
good that comes my way."
"I see. You are willing to divide with him, so you are going to let
him in on condition that he will do _all_ the dirty work while you sit
back and boss the job. I see. You are a great financier, Ernie."
"You ought to see my new flat over in Eighth Street," said Ernie
proudly, quite taken in by the Colonel's none too gentle sarcasm.
"You don't share that with Dick, I imagine."
"Well, hardly!" ejaculated Dick's brother. Suddenly his uneasiness
developed into a sort of whining protest. "Say, if you got anything to
say to me, say it. I got to be moving along. If I can make a thousand
honestly, I'm on the job. What's--"
"We'll wait for Dick," observed the Colonel coolly. He took his time
to light a long cigar, the hunchback looking on with curiosity and
doubt in his shifty eyes. Then he handed a cigar to his guest. "Have a
cigar. I'd offer you a drink, only I don't believe in drinking between
friends.
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