"All right," said Big Slim. "I don't think the 'Duke's' wild for me
sticking around just now, seeing that Allen might come back; so I'd
better blow. If you're ready, I am."

"Right behind you," said Bat, cheerfully. And then, without more ado,
the two passed out into the night.

CHAPTER IX

A PLACE OF FEAR

Big Slim lived at Bohlmier's. This was a little hotel in a huddled
section of the city, and had the Swiss coat of arms on a sign at the
door.

"I always pick out little islands where I'll be quiet, and where no one
comes poking around," said the lank burglar. "The swift places are the
kind to pass up."

There was a little sanded office, with prints of the Rhine Castles, of
the Alps, of mountain folk with their goats. Old Bohlmier with his bald
head and big spectacles sat behind a high desk peering at a much thumbed
scrap of music, and blowing the notes upon a flute.

"Friend of mine," announced Big Slim, indicating Scanlon. "Wants a
room."

"So!" Bohlmier put down the flute and looked at the big athlete over the
rims of his spectacles. "Yah, I suppose I haf one yet." He arose and
opened a small register. "Your name you will put inside here," he
directed.

Scanlon did as requested; then the proprietor toiled, in a
short-breathed fashion, up the stairs before them, unlocked a door and
stood aside for Scanlon to enter. The room was small and slimly
furnished; but it was clean and had two windows peering upon what
looked, in the dimness, like a courtyard.

"If you do not der stable mind," suggested Bohlmier, "der ventilation is
goot, by der windows."

"Nice," said Bat "This will do me--great."

When the proprietor had gone, Big Slim shuffled about the room, his
hands in his pockets.

"The Dutchman's real," said he, to Bat. "I've known him for some time,
and he's in on more than anybody would think."

The athlete threw some cigarettes upon the table and drew up two chairs.

"Sit down," said he, with a ready air of ownership. "Let's get better
acquainted."

"Not now," replied Big Slim. "Some other time, maybe, I'll open a can of
experience with you; but to-night," and he leered knowingly, "I've got a
little business."

"All right," said Bat. "I'll see you to-morrow, then."

"Sure," said the lank burglar. "I don't want to lose sight of you, pal,
for I owe you one."

"Oh, that's all right," said Scanlon, as he shook hands with the other
at the room door. "It was only a little try-out for a