He leaned closer to the man.
"Are Telza an' Taggart friends ?" he asked.
"Friends!" The man's weak laugh was full of scorn.

"Taggart's stringin' him.

Telza's lookin' for an idol--all gold an' diamonds, an' such.

Worth thousands.

Taggart set Telza on Betty Clayton." The man choked; his breath came thickly; red stained his lips.