"Sheehan says I done it, eh?" he questioned.

"That's what he says."

"I wasn't within a mile of Schneider's that night," protested

Billy.

"The Lieut thinks different," said Lasky. "He'd be only

too glad to soak you; for you've always been too slick to

get nicked before. Orders is out to get you, and if I were

you I'd beat it and beat it quick. I don't have to tell you

why I'm handing you this, but it's all I can do for you.

Now take my advice and make yourself scarce, though

you'll have to go some to make your get-away now--every

man on the force has your description by this time."

Billy turned without a word and walked east in the alley

toward Lincoln Street. Lasky returned to Robey Street. In

Lincoln Street Billy walked north to Kinzie. Here he entered

the railroad yards. An hour later he was bumping out of

town toward the West on a fast freight. Three weeks later

he found himself in San Francisco. He had no money, but

the methods that had so often replenished his depleted

exchequer at home he felt would serve the same purpose here.

Being unfamiliar with San Francisco, Billy did not know

where best to work, but when by accident he stumbled upon

a street where there were many saloons whose patrons were

obviously seafaring men Billy was distinctly elated. What

could be better for his purpose than a drunken sailor?

He entered one of the saloons and stood watching a game

of cards, or thus he seemed to be occupied. As a matter

of fact his eyes were constantly upon the alert, roving, about

the room to wherever a man was in the act of paying for

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