Collaton helped."

"I've no doubt of it," responded Guff. "It was a put-up job in the
first place. By the way, Gamble, you used to be in partnership with
Collaton yourself."

"That's true enough," admitted Johnny. "Possibly I'd better give you
some references."

"Give them to the women," retorted Guff.

An hour later Johnny telephoned Guff.

"Did you repurchase the option from Jacobs?" he inquired.

"Yes!" snapped Guff, and hung up.

The facts that the De Luxe Apartments Company was hot after the
property and that he himself was now four hours behind his schedule,
with nothing in sight, drove Johnny on, in spite of his dismal
forebodings.

Mrs. Guff he found to be a hugely globular lady, with a globular
nose, the lines on either side of which gave her perpetually an
expression of having just taken quinine. In view of her recent
experiences she was inclined to call the police the moment Johnny
stated his errand, but he promptly referred her to some gentlemen of
unimpeachable commercial standing; namely, Close, Courtney, Bouncer
and Morton Washer. She coolly telephoned them in his presence and
was satisfied.