hich account he could hardly
be blamed for taking possession of a wad of notes carelessly entrusted
to a side pocket by another passenger who was seeking to economise by
carrying his own bag. Being an essentially practical man Freddie Dirk
resisted the temptation to acquire a suitcase in crocodile by Pound.
Reticence in the matter did him credit and he rewarded himself with a
single stone diamond scarf pin that greatly enhanced the appearance of
his own cravat. He was debating with himself the question of a string
of pearls of no very great value when Harrison Smith's hand fell upon
his shoulder.

"That's a blame silly thing to do," said Dirk when he had recovered
from his initial surprise. "Blame silly. Might 'ave a bit more
respec' for a man's nerves."

Harrison Smith cursed him fluently as he led the way to a Ford car
standing in the yard.

"Lot of use to me you'd have been if the splits had got you. It's a
big job we're tackling and I don't want it spoilt by dam-fool sneak
thief tricks."

Freddie Dirk apologised and explained his distaste for idleness.

"Ain't we going by train--'cos I got the tickets."

"No."

"Well, 'ang on a minute while I gets the money back."

But even this business coup was denied and with a sense of opportunity
lost he entered the car.

There was nothing prepossessing in Freddie Dirk's appearance. He was
of the low brow, heavy jaw, bruiser type. The term a "tough" fits him
closely. He had a punch like a kick from a dray horse but when called
upon to use his hands he preferred to rely upon his mascot to ensure
success. Freddie's mascot was a few lengths of whalebone bound with
twine and socketed into a pear-shaped lump of lead. Scientifically
wielded it would go through the helmet of a City policeman like a hot
knife through butter. He had a healthy dislike for firearms which was
perhaps the primary cause of his failure to serve King and Country in
the late war. His skill as a draft dodger had earned him a great
reputation among many of his fellows equally diffident in their will to
serve.

"I've got you into this," said Harrison Smith as they chugged up the
station incline, "because I want a man who'll stick at nothing."

Dirk nodded.

"There's a chance we may have to----"

"That's orl rite--least said soonest mended."

"Barraclough is a bit of a bear cat and if he's got the concession on
him you can lay odds he'll fight."

"If he's got the blinking thing don'