"Yes, yes!" he whispered. "_Yes!_ I got to do it. I'll do it, Mr.
Clancy, I'll do it! I'll--I'll do anything!"

A half leer, half scowl was on Clancy's face, as he stood regarding
the other.

"I thought you would!" he grunted roughly. "Well then, we'll get down to
business--and _to-night's_ business. You know the back entrance to Malay
John's hang-out?"

Smarlinghue's eyes widened a little in a startled way. He nodded his
head.

"Very good," said Clancy gruffly. "_You'll_ have no trouble in getting
in there. And once in there you'll have no trouble in getting up to
Malay's private den. I've been wised up that Malay and a few of his pals
are getting ready to pull off a little game uptown. I want the dope on
it--_all_ of it. They've been meeting in Malay's den for the last few
nights--understand? They drift in between half past eleven and
twelve--you get there a little _before_ halfpast eleven. You haven't
anything to be afraid of, so don't lose your nerve. Malay himself is
away this evening and won't be back before midnight; and the door won't
be locked, as otherwise the others couldn't get in. Everything's clear
for you. Savvy? Once you're in the room, there's plenty of places to
hide--and that's all you've got to do, except keep your ears and eyes
open. Get the lay?"

Again Smarlinghue nodded--unhappily this time.

"All right!" said Clancy crisply. "I'm not coming around here any