" Saying which, the Spider dexterously shifted
his wad to the other cheek and chewed faster than ever.
"I am, Spider, and I want you to know I'm grateful to you, all three.
Also I want to thank you all for keeping this affair out of the papers,
though how you managed it beats me."
"Guv," cried the Old Un, tremulous and eager, "oh, Guv, we're fair
sleuth-hounds, we are--specially me. There ain't a 'tective nor
secret-service cove nor bloomin' bobby fit to black our shoes--specially
mine! Y' see, Guv, I know who done it; Joe thinks he knows; an' Spider
don't think at all!"
"Oh?" said Ravenslee, and looking around, caught the Spider watching him
wide-eyed, his jaws grimly tense and immobile; but meeting his glance,
the Spider lowered his eyes, shifted his smartly-gaitered legs, and
chewed viciously.
"So, Guv," piped the Old Un cheerily, "we're out for the criminal's
gore--specially me. We're goin' to track the perisher to 'is 'orrible
doom--
"'Where'er he be
To th' gallers tree
Oh, Guv, we mean t' bring him;
An' laugh with j'y
When nice an' 'igh
The blinkin' bobbies swing 'im.
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