Brimmer was playing his game slowly, and without the slightest risk to himself.

Tony must take all the risk.

If the Greek got into any trouble Brimmer could deny all knowledge of the matter.
One Saturday afternoon, just before Christmas Midshipman Brimmer came down Main Street, looked in and found the Greek standing alone in his shop.
"Howdy, Tony," was the midshipman's greeting, as he sauntered into the store.
"Hullo, my good frien', sare." "Wish you a Merry Christmas, Tony." "I don' know, sare, I don' know," replied the Greek, shaking his head.
"Why, isn't business good now, Tony ?" "You do ver' much, my frien', to help make it better," replied Tony, shaking his head, "but still I not make much money." "Are you hard up at Christmas, Tony ?" asked Brimmer, with pretended sympathy.
"Oh, yes, sare; all time hard up." At that moment Brimmer's gleaming eyes saw Dave Darrin and Dan Dalzell passing on the other side of the street.
"Quick, Tony! Get a look at my friends over there!" whispered Brimmer.

"Take such a good look that you will know them again anywhere.

Now, it's the one on the inside, especially.