On the contrary, while he went out to try and find a reason for believing Nick guilty, in spite of his alibi, I mean only to ask a few questions that will clear up a little point that is a bit muddled." "Perhaps I could guess what that is," said Thad quickly.

"You're puzzled to understand why Nick should have been out there on just last night of all times, when any other would have done just as well.
How about that, Hugh ?" "That's one of the things I'd like to have cleared up," Hugh admitted.

"Between us, Thad, I've got a pretty good notion Nick knew about this contemplated raid on Kramer's store.

Perhaps in times past they may even have plotted such a thing, so as to get all the cigarettes and candy they wanted for once.

I even believe he was refusing Leon and Tip Slavin, who were urging him to join in with them, when I saw him shake his head and skate away yesterday." "Go on, Hugh, you've got me interested again; sure you have." "While Nick wouldn't think of betraying his former associates, from whose company he had broken away, at the same time he was smart enough to see he would be placed under suspicion.