He was angry to think that Dick had been able to follow him after all.
"I have," was the youth's bold reply.

He felt nothing was to be gained by beating around the bush.
"It's a nice business to be in!" "It is better than the business you are in." "I don't think so." "I do.

You fellows are in league with Sid Merrick, and you know what sort he is." "See here," interrupted Shelley.

"Now we have him in here, what are we going to do with him ?" "You are going to let me out," said Dick.
"Perhaps we are," said Cuffer, and gave Shelley a significant look.
"Let us see if he's got any papers with him," suggested Shelley, and returned the look given to him by his companion.
The look meant that they would go through Dick's pockets and rob him.
The men were thorough rascals and if the youth had anything worth taking they meant to have it.
"You keep out of my pockets!" cried Dick and started to rise from the chair in which he was sitting.

Instantly both men grabbed him, and while Cuffer held him tightly from the rear, Shelley caught up a towel and gagged him.