The other laughed. “Still raving,” he gibed. “Why, my simple Sherlock, I knew exactly what you would do. A telephone message to my house to send my correspondence to a certain place, and a discreet messenger were all that were needed to get inside your guard.”

Labar lifted his shoulders. “You’re a hell of a fellow,” he sneered. “What are you going to do about it now? Seems to me that you’ve got hold of the tiger’s tail. You don’t know whether to hang on or leave go. You daren’t shoot me. What else can you do?”

“I don’t know that I daren’t. Might be a businesslike way out,” mused Larry. “But I’d hate to do it, Labar. You’re amusing without being vulgar. I should miss you.”

Mrs. Gertstein who had followed the exchange with puzzled face whirled swiftly on Larry. “Don’t be a fool, man. Can’t you see that he is playing with you. He’s trying to gain time. Kill him now. No one will know. Shoot him.” Her face was blazing vindictively. “Put him out of the way. He’s dangerous.”