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A locked handcuff clamped one wrist, and from it swung, at the end of the connecting chain, its unlocked mate; the marks of Dollops's fists were on his lips and cheeks, and at the foot of the case, where the hanging skeleton doddered and shook to the vibration of the floor, lay a shattered phial of deep-blue glass.
For a day or two, Cleek "mooned" about restless, lonely despite Dollops's presence, finding no savour in anything; and it came as a positive relief when a call from The Yard sent him to a modest little house in the neighbourhood of Wandsworth Common. The "call" in question took the shape of a letter from Mr. Narkom.
At Dollops's suggestion they followed always the turnings upon the right. "Always keep to the right, sir, and you'll never go far wrong that's what they teaches you in Lunnon. An' that's what I always follows. It's no use gittin' lost. So best make a set rule and foller it." "Well, at any rate there's no harm in doing so," responded Cleek a little glumly.
He writhed his features for a moment, slipped his hand into his pocket, and producing the black moustache that had been Dollops's envy and admiration, stuck it upon his upper lip, pulled out a check cap from the other pocket, drew that upon his head, and peered at Borkins under the peak of it. "What-o, matey!" he remarked in a harsh cockney voice.
My senses are drunk already with the scent of your hyacinths; and if I might have a day among them, I should be as near happy as makes no difference." He had his day breaking it only to 'phone up to Clarges Street and quiet any possible fears upon Dollops's part and if ever man was satisfied, that man was he.
If you're going you'd better step lively. Ah," as Dollops's figure appeared in the doorway, "if you'll excuse me, Sir Nigel, I'll just have a word or two with my man." His voice dropped several tones as he addressed the boy and they moved away together. "Mr. Lake and I are going out for a walk across the Fens. Petrie and Hammond will be there at ten. I'd like you to join 'em.
Dollops's nasal twang took up the story, while the barmaid a red-headed, fat woman with a coarse, hard face, who was continually smiling looked them up and down, and having taken stock of them set two pewter tankards of frothing ale before them, took the money from Cleek, bit it, and then with a nod dropped it into the till and came back for a chat.
One of these fine days, if you're not careful, you'll be caught napping, and it'll take all Dollops's and my ingenuity to get you out of the clutches. I do beg of you to be careful for Ailsa's sake, if not for mine." At mention of the name, for a second the whole look upon Cleek's face altered.
But keep your eyes and your ears open, and if you see any strange men hanging around, report to me at once." Dollops's usually pale, freckled countenance went a shade paler, and he caught at Cleek's arm as though he were loath to let it go. "But, sir," he whispered in a hoarse undertone, "you won't go a-knocking about alone, will yer?
Quarter of a mile'll bring you. Chaps at your end ought to see to it that none of the special hands stray up this way. It's not safe. Good-night." "Good-night," responded Cleek cheerily. "Thank you, sir;" and, taking Dollops's arm, swung off in the direction indicated, just as quick as his feet could carry him.
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