Come on over ter the bar an' hav' a drink, Moffett; them other fellers are goin' ter eat now." The diversion gave me opportunity for a moment's thought.

The plan was a diabolical one, cold-blooded and desperate, yet I saw no certain way of serving her, except by accepting Rale's offer.

I had no satisfactory proof to present against these villains, and, even if I had, by the time I succeeded in locating headquarters and establishing my own identity, the foul trick might be executed without my aid, and the injured girl spirited away beyond reach.

I did not even know where she was concealed, or how I could lay hands on Kirby.

The genial Rale pushed out a black bottle and we drank together.
"Wal'," he said, picking up the conversation where it had ended, quite satisfied with his diplomacy, and wiping his lips on his sleeve.