Amazement held Miss Peavey dumb for an instant. Then she spoke.
“ The big stiff!” said Miss Peavey.
Mr. Cootes, regardless of a lady’s presence, went even further in his censure.
“ I had a feeling from the first that there was something not on the level about that guy!” said Miss Peavey. “Gee! He must be after that necklace too.”
“ Sure he’s after the necklace,” said Mr. Cootes impatiently. “What did you think he’d come down for? A change of air?”
“ But, Ed! Say! Are you going to let him get away with it?”
“ Am I going to let him get away with it!” said Mr. Cootes, annoyed by the foolish question. “Wake me up in the night and ask me!”
“ But what are you going to do?”
“ Do!” said Mr. Cootes. “Do! I’ll tell you what I’m going to . . .” He paused, and the stern
