If, for some unknown reason, he had sufficient interest to swear out the warrant and assist in the arrest, he would have equal cause to serve those fellows behind him in other ways.

Naturally, they would dread a trial, with its possibility of exposure, and eagerly grasp any opportunity for wiping the slate clean.

Their real security from discovery undoubtedly lay in his death, and with the "Red Light" crowd behind them they would experience no trouble in getting a following desperate enough for any purpose.
The longer Keith thought the less he doubted the result.

It was not then a problem of defence, but of escape, for he believed now that no opportunity to defend himself would ever be allowed.

The arrest was merely part of the plot intended to leave him helpless in the hands of the mob.