ned Latisan's apparent infatuation; she had been
sent north in the role of a charmer and did not propose to confess to
Mern that she had failed utterly to interest the woodsman.

Undoubtedly the reticence of both of them was merciful; to heap this
crowning burden upon Chief Mern's bewilderment in regard to the actions
of a trusted employee would have disqualified him mentally for other
cases which were coming along.

Crowley loafed diligently at the Vose-Mern offices when he was not out
on duty; there was no knowing when he might be able to turn a trick for
the good of the concern by being on hand, he told himself, and for one
of his bovine nature all waiting around was easy and all stalls were
alike.

Therefore, one day he was on hand to rush a quick tip to the chief.
Crowley turned his back on a caller who entered the main office; the
bulletin bearer hurried into Mern's presence.

"It's the big boy from the bush--Latisan!"

"Ugly?"

"I didn't wait to see."

"You have told me straight, have you, about his being a bad actor when
he's riled?"

"That's the real dope on him, Chief. Don't let him in to see you--that's
my advice."

Mern took a little time for thought, inspecting his operative narrowly.

"I ain't intending to butt in, you understand," apologized Crowley,
reddening.

"I think that's good advice, speaking from the standpoint of prudence."

"There's no good in hashing the thing over with him; he's off the job
and I claim the credit and----"

"But from the standpoint of curiosity," broke in Mern, relentlessly,
"I'll be almighty glad to have a talk with him. I'll probably get some
facts now. Shut up! If you have come back and told me all the truth I
wouldn't be taking a chance with this man. You're to blame! Remember
that another time. Beat it!" He jabbed his thumb in the direction of a
door which enabled clients to leave without going back through the main
office.

"A man named Latisan," reported the door boy.

"Tell him to come in."

Crowley turned the knob of the catch lock and dodged out into the
corridor.

Mern stood up to receive the caller.

He was not inspired by politeness. He was putting himself in an attitude
of defense and was depending on the brawn of a man who had been a tough
proposition when he swung his police club on a New York beat. He even
moved a chair which might get underfoot in a rough-and-tumble. But his
muscles relaxed when he looked at the man who entered.

Lat