"Chief, do you want to
make an arrest on a charge which will involve every person in this
room in a sensational story? Of course I know most of us here don't
weigh anything with you. But why drag Miss Sherwood, who is innocent
in every way, into a criminal story that will serve to cheapen her and
every decent person involved? Besides, it can only be a conspiracy
charge, and there's more than a probability that you can't prove your
case. So why make an arrest that will drag in Miss Sherwood?"
Barlow had a mind which functioned with amazing rapidity on matters
pertaining to his own interest. He realized on the instant how it
might count for him in the future if he were in a position to ask a
favor of a person of Miss Sherwood's standing; and he spoke without
hesitation:
"I don't know anything about this Sherwood matter. If anyone ever asks
me, they'll not get a word."
There was swift relief on the faces of Barney and Old Jimmie; to be
instantly dispelled by Chief Barlow's next statement which followed
his last with only a pause for breath:
"The main thing we want is to stick these two crooks away." He turned
on Barney and Old Jimmie. "I've just learned you two fellows are the
birds I want for that Gregory stock business. I've got you for fair on
that.
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