It's done every day, ma. Even if they grabbed one of the boys,
Melcher would spring him from the Tombs. 'Alibi' is Maxey's middle
name, and he MAKES bondsmen. How do you suppose politics are run
in this town, anyhow?"

"That isn't politics; that's murder." Mrs. Knight was deeply
shocked. "This is a terrible city, Jim."

"Sure; but Max is in politics for the protection it gives him in
his other lines of business. His gambling-house is as safe as a
church. There's big money in this banker-hunting, too. Did you
read about the two old guys at the King William Hotel last month?
Well, Max laid 'em against two squabs, friends of Tony's. He got
the girls into the hotel, paid their bills, and all that. They've
cleaned up about twenty thousand so far. Of course, Lorelei won't
stand for anything like that, so we've got to marry her, I
suppose."

"Just the same, I'm frightened--and this isn't honest. I wish she
would listen to Robert Wharton."

James winked meaningly. "Leave that to me. She's going to
Proctor's with me to-night. Maybe he'll join us. But meanwhile
we've got Merkle for some quick money if we work him right. I'm
off for Goldy's office now. I'll meet you at three."

When Jim reappeared, dressed for the street, he gave a bit of
parting advice:

"Better lay on the hysterics when she wakes up. It'll make it