sociates on the slanderous "society"
papers that fatten on the frailties of human beings with money to buy
exemption, but too weak to fight the slimy devils whose pens drip this
filth from the social sewage pots; he knew not the parasites who cling
to the maggoty exudations of every form of social disorder. That is the
way I figured it. I want it straight on the record here that my devotion
to Jim Hosley at that interview began to tighten like the
Damon-and-Pythias grip of a two-ton grab bucket. I was figuring to die
beside Jim with a Nathan Hale poise of the head and some pat remark.

Smith, the sharp-eyed, handed a paper to Mr. Tescheron. They whispered
about it for a minute or so in one corner, and then Mr. Tescheron read
it aloud:

"Hosley and the undertaker drove away in coach together following
hearse. Two men following."

As he finished they both looked at me, probably expecting me to be
convinced that all virtue was on their side and to unite with them or at
least listen while they revealed all they knew about Jim Hosley's career
of crime and deception. But I had enough. I knew where the crime was
there, I believed. I opened up on a new line.

"I guess I'll notify the coroner," said I quietly, starting to go.

"No, no!" shouted Tescheron. "I did not mean to do that. I only said
that to draw you out. All I ask of you, Mr. Hopkins, is that you give
your evidence against this man when I next summon you. I am glad to find
you convinced at last--but never mind the coroner. I can accomplish my
purpose under cover."

I edged away.

"No, I think you have convinced me that it is my duty to notify the
coroner," said I, "so that this murderer, Hosley, may be put to death.
It's a nasty business for all of us," I said, "except Smith, here, who
won't mind it."

"Hopkins, if you do that you will spoil all my plans," pleaded the now
completely flustrated Tescheron. "Stand in with me. Help me to present
the truth about this rascal in the presence of my daughter and all will
go well. As for the authorities, let them take care of their end
themselves. The Tescheron family is not to be sacrificed! Think of
yourself, man! Surely you don't want to be mixed up in such a horrible
crime--you who have been fooled for years. Come, now! Agreed, eh?"

"I'll think it over," said I, giving one down-stroke of the handle for a
parting shake to each of these brainy men and then I passed out. As I
traveled toward home, I regrette