Part 8 (1/2)
”In what capacity?”
”To sign the papers.”
Again the woman's eyes glittered as she asked:
”How did they learn about me?”
”One of our old pals told them about you.”
”And why did you not tell me about this before?”
”I have not had my first interview yet with the king-pin. He has been out West. He is to be in New York some day this week. You are to exhibit your skill and we will get a stake immediately.”
”And you will gamble it away in an hour.”
”No, I've sworn off.”
”Bah! how many times you've told me that!”
”I mean it this time.”
”Tom, I am fond of you, but I cannot let you ruin me again. If we make a big stake I am to hold the money. Do you hear?”
”Yes, I hear.”
”And you understand that I mean what I say?”
”I do.”
”I can beat the world on false signatures.”
”That is what they have been told.”
”I've long wanted a chance like this.”
”I know it.”
”I can make my own terms when they learn what I can do.”
”I know it.”
Our readers can readily imagine the feelings of Dudie Dunne as he listened to this wonderful revelation. He realized that he and Cad Metti had made the hit of their lives, or rather had a chance to do so. It seemed wonderful that he had in this most astonis.h.i.+ng manner gotten right on to the whole scheme, was peering, as it were, into the very heart of the terrible organization. It was not wholly skill that had brought him to this point; there was a large element of luck in it. Was it not more? Was there not fate in it, that through his ingenious strategy and Cad's suggestion he had followed the man of all men who under circ.u.mstances the most marvelous would bring him in contact with the king of the great criminal confederacy?
Oscar just reveled in his success. His face was actually radiant. The great special, Wise, had told him the best detectives in the land had been baffled. Wise himself had failed, and he had selected Oscar, and the young man was delighted at the prospect of maintaining the great special's confidence in his ability. Meantime the conversation continued.
”When are you to meet these people?”
”I don't know exactly. The king-pin is out West. He is liable to return any day.”
”And then?”