Part 44 (2/2)
Jimmy found it hard at first to say anything. He had never properly understood the possibilities of Ogden's character before. The longer he contemplated him, the more admirable Ann's scheme appeared. It seemed to him that only a resolute keeper of a home for dogs would be adequately equipped for dealing with this remarkable youth.
”This is a commercial age,” he said.
”You bet it is,” said Ogden. ”My middle name is business. Say, are you working this on your own, or are you in with Buck Maginnis and his crowd?”
”I don't think I know Mr. Maginnis.”
”He's the guy who kidnapped me the first time. He's a rough-neck.
Smooth Sam Fisher got away with me the second time. Maybe you're in with Sam?”
”No.”
”No, I guess not. I heard that he had married and retired from business. I rather wish you were one of Buck's lot. I like Buck.
When he kidnapped me, I lived with him and he gave me a swell time. When I left him, a woman came and interviewed me about it for one of the Sunday papers. Sob stuff. Called the piece 'Even Kidnappers Have Tender Hearts Beneath A Rough Exterior.' I've got it upstairs in my press-clipping alb.u.m. It was pretty bad slush.
Buck Maginnis hasn't got any tender heart beneath his rough exterior, but he's a good sort and I liked him. We used to shoot c.r.a.ps. And he taught me to chew. I'd be tickled to death to have Buck get me again. But, if you're working on your own, all right.
It's all the same to me, provided you meet me on the terms.”
”You certainly are a fascinating child.”
”Less of it, less of it. I've troubles enough to bear without having you getting fresh. Well, what about it? Talk figures. If I let you take me away, do we divvy up or don't we? That's all you've got to say.”
”That's easily settled. I'll certainly give you half of whatever I get.”
Ogden looked wistfully at the writing-desk.
”I wish I could have that in writing. But I guess it wouldn't stand in law. I suppose I shall have to trust you.”
”Honour among thieves.”
”Less of the thieves. This is just a straight business proposition. I've got something valuable to sell, and I'm darned if I'm going to keep giving it away. I've been too easy. I ought to have thought of this before. All right, then, that's settled.
Now it's up to you. You can think out the rest of it yourself.”
He heaved himself out of the chair, and left the room. Ann, coming down from the gallery, found Jimmy meditating. He looked up at the sound of her step.
”Well, that seems to make it pretty easy for us, doesn't it?” he said. ”It solves the problem of ways and means.”
”But this is awful. This alters everything. It isn't safe for you to stay here. You must go away at once. They've found you out.
You may be arrested at any moment.”
”That's a side-issue. The main point is to put this thing through. Then we can think about what is going to happen to me.”
”But can't you see the risk you're running?”
”I don't mind. I want to help you.”
”I won't let you.”
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