foolish as to expect anything in the way of fair and honorable
dealing when I contract to do up a mining swindler for the benefit
of the only meaner creature on God's earth--a patent medicine
poisoner. So I took precautions."

"Say, be careful of what you say, young man," blustered the quack.

"I am--quite particular. And, before you leave, wouldn't you like
to hear about the five thousand dollars I got for my little job?"

Doctor Hoff blinked rapidly.

"What didje say?" he finally inquired.

"Five--er--thousand--er--dollars."

"You got it?"

"In the bank."

"Where dje get it?"

"From you, through your son's check, duly certified."

Doctor Hoff blinked more rapidly and moistened his lips with an
effortful tongue.

"H-h-how dje work it?" he asked in a die-away voice.

"By a forced sale of water rights to the North Pinto Gold Mining