For instance, in Mott and Pell streets, or in the Bowery, I am as safe as any precinct detective.

I tell you this to keep you from worrying.

They won't touch a man whom they think is an agent or an officer.

Only it spoils my chances of doing reportorial-detective work.

For instance, the captain of the Bowery district refused me a detective the other morning to take the Shippens around the Chinese and the tougher quarters because he said they were as safe with me as with any of the other men whose faces are as well known.