"You intended to beat Gresham and Jacobs and me to a pulp; and then have us pinched for disorderly conduct, and try to dig up the evidence at the trial." "Well, something like that," admitted Johnny with a grin.
"I knew it," corroborated Collaton.

"I told them when to stop." "I guess you'll be a good witness," surmised Johnny.

"How deep were you in on this Birchard deal?
How much did you get ?" "Did Gresham and Birchard pull something ?" inquired Collaton with such acute interest that Johnny felt sure he had taken no part in that swindle.
"Well, yes," agreed Johnny with a wince, as he thought of his lost million.

"They did pull a little trick.

Did you know Birchard very well ?" "I wouldn't say what I know about Birchard except on a witness-stand," chuckled Collaton, "but I can tell you this much: if he got anything, throw it a good-by kiss; for he can rub himself out better than any man I ever saw.