He had been deceived in him before;
he was determined not to be fooled again.
"I don't believe a word of this yarn," he said flatly. "You have the
jewels and--"
"Don't be an ass," snapped Sprouse. "If I had them do you suppose I'd
be fiddling around here to-day? Not much. I saw the gang making their
getaway last night, and I saw Peter depart this morning. I concluded
to have a look about the place. Hope springs eternal, you know. There
was a bare possibility that he might have forgotten them!" He scowled
as he grinned, and never had Barnes looked upon a countenance so evil.
"Why should I tell YOU anything about Prince Ugo? It would only be
helping you to carry out the game--"
"Look here, Mr. Barnes, I'm not going to double-cross you again.
That's all over. I want to get that scurvy dog who knifed poor old
Nick. Nick was a decent, square man. He wasn't a crook. He was a
patriot, if such a thing exists in this world to-day. If you can give
me a lead, I'll try to run Prince Ugo down. And if I do, we'll get the
jewels."
"We? You amuse me, Sprouse."
"Well, I can't do any more than give my promise, my solemn oath, or
something like that. I can't give a bond, you know.
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