Disgruntled, Hickey stared and shook a disapproving head. "I was afraid
of that; yeh swells don't never seem to think nothin' of yer duties to
soci'ty."

Anisty airily waved the indictment aside. "Moreover, I have lost nothing.
You see, I happened in just at the right moment; our criminal friend got
nothing for his pains. The jewels are safe. Reason Number Two: Having
retained my property, I hold no grudge against Anisty."

"Well--I dunno--"

"And as for reason Number Three: I don't care to have this affair
advertised. If the papers get hold of it they'll cook up a lot of silly
details that'll excite the cupidity of every thief in the country, and make
me more trouble than I care to--ah--contemplate."

Hickey's eyes glistened. "Of course, if yeh want it kept quiet--" he
suggested significantly.

Anisty's hand sought his pocket. "How much?"

"Well, I guess I can leave that to you. Yeh oughttuh know how bad yeh want
the matter hushed."

"As I calculate it, then, fifty ought to be enough for the boys; and fifty
will repay you for your trouble."

The end of Hickey's expensive panetela was tilted independently toward the
ceiling. "Shouldn't wonder if it would," he murmured, gratified.