"Larry Brainard."
"Got away from what?" she pursued.
"The police. They were after him on some charge. And some of his pals
were after him, too. They were out to get him because he had squealed
on Red Hannigan and Jack Rosenfeldt. Both parties were closing in on
him at about the same time. But Larry got a tip somehow, and made his
get-away."
"When did it happen?"
"Must have happened a little time after we all left the Duchess's."
"But--but, Barney--how did you learn it so soon?"
"Just ran into Officer Gavegan over on Broadway and he told me," lied
Barney. He preferred not to tell her that he had been upon the scene
with Little Mick and Lefty Ed; for the third figure which Larry had
descried through the misty shadows had indeed been Barney Palmer. Also
Barney preferred not to tell what further subtle share he had had in
the causes for Larry's flight.
"Do you think he--he made a safe get-away?"
"Safe for a few hours. Gavegan told me they'd have him rounded up by
noon to-morrow." Barney was more conscious of Maggie's interest than
was Maggie herself, and again was desirous of destroying it or
diverting it. "Generally I'm for the other fellow against the police.
But this time I'm all for the coppers. I hope they land Larry--he's
got it coming to him.
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