The diamond drill., 1921-05-14
"They Tell Me You're Hunting
Parker"

They Tell Me You're Hunting
Parker"
for Costigan's. determined 20 learn the
truth. / approached the same bar
tender with whom 1 had spoken In the
morning, and he must have recalled
me at once. for, without answering
my question. he turned and called out
to a heavily set, red-faced fellow at
the lower end of the bar.
"Dan. here is that guy who was
asking for Parker. He amt heard
nuthln from him."
The other came forward, elbowing
bis way roughly through the crowd.
and looked me searchingly In the face.
I'm Costigan." he said shortly. ''They
tell me you're hunting Parker. Did
you have an appointment with himr
YES; he was to meet me here this
morning. Then l left telephone
number, but he hasn't called me-"
He amt been back; that's the rea-
son. Come along with me; 1 want a
private word with you"
followed him rather doubtfully, al
though his words and actions ap-
peared friendly enough In a gruff way.
He led the way TO a closed door at tho
end OF the bar, which. when opened.
disclosed a small business Office. con-
taining merely a desk and two chairs.
To his rather gruff invitation to sit
down, l accepted one OF these, chew
Ing at the cigar between my teeth, and
endeavoring to appear quite at ease.
Costlgan, after securing the door, seat
ed himself at the desk, turning his
swivel chair about so as to face me.
his freckled hands on his knees.
George told me about you this
morning" he began. at least I sup
pose you're the lad your name DalyY'
nodded. greatly relieved. but un-
willing TO trust my voice. The man
did not know me; had no suspicion.
"Giad ter meet yer" and Costlgan
filed a pipe, and touched a match to
the tobacco without removing his
steady gaze from my face. "We never
had no dealings together, but II yer
tied up with George. it's quite likely
we will have. He an / hav' been
pardners fer a long while He's HI
of good guy"
"We just ran into each other acci-
dentally," | explained, feeling that he
expected me to say something. Got
onto the trail OF the same Doodle. He
told you, suppose?"
mo, he didn't. Just said he'd run
onto you, and that you were liable to
turn a trick together George don't
slop over; that alnt his style"
"But he spoke about meT'
swell, yes, In way. But II want
no more than i told yer. He had to
20 out afore you got round, so he
said you was comm. an for me to be
decent TO yer whenever yer blowed
In"
"How long was he to be goneT'
''That's what's got my goat" Cos
tigan admitted grlmly. "IIe said he'd
be back In an hour, but he aint
showed up since, ner sent any word
don't want 90 shove my nose into
your affairs, but I'm gettln' a little
nervous bout George. that's fact"
Somehow the fellow gave me the
impression OF being square-honest
according 10 his lIghts-and Intensely
loyal to his friends. or course.
could not inform him as to the whole
story, but II might be of benefit to
give him some inkling OF the situa-
tiOn.
There's no harm, so far as can
see, In telling you part OF the plan.
Mr.. Costigan," l replied slowly, en-
deavoring 10 guard my words careful
ly. IL know Harris has every conf
dence In you, 80 I'll take chance.
We're both on TO a mIlllon-dollar pot
easy money, II looks like"
The hill that's some Doodle !" ex-
citedly leaning forward.
1T don't come every day. I'll not
explain details, or how the two OF M
run together on the trail. and agreed
10 split the pot. That's our business.
you'll admit"
"Sure; what was III A bank jobr'
Better than that-South American
revolution fund; coin sent over here
from London 10 pay for arms and
maybe a murder or 80. II IL all In ono
bundle. and what we need to DO IL ret
our hands on II. We know where the
stun is, but we're still scouting around
for q chance 70 grab II; It's locked up
yet"