Mercer was impressed.

He saw himself an instrument in a possible murder affair, and the thought terrified him.

Even at best, Kent told him, they had given and taken bribes, a fact that would go hard with them unless Mooie kept his mouth shut.

And if the Indian knew anything out of the way about Kedsty, it was mighty important that he, Mercer, get hold of it, for it might prove a trump card with them in the event of a showdown with the Inspector of Police.

As a matter of form, Mercer took his temperature.