"You've hinted at such mysteries before, Mike,"
Joe smiled. "I'd be glad to know what you mean,
if there's anything in them."

"It may come to that," said the other, with
some embarrassment. "It may come to that some
day, if the old wolf presses me too hard in the
matter o' tryin' to git the little man across the
street hanged by the neck and yerself mobbed fer
helpin' him! But to-day I'll say no more."

"Very well, Mike." Joe turned wearily to his
desk. "I don't want you to break any promises."

Mr. Sheehan had gone to the door, but he paused
on the threshold, and wiped his forehead again.

"And I don't want to break any," he said, "but if
ever the time should come when I couldn't help
it"--he lowered his voice to a hoarse but piercing
whisper--"that will be the devourin' angel's day
fer Martin Pike!"



XVIII

IN THE HEAT OF THE DAY