"What are they, anyway?"
"See for yourself," returned Murgatroyd; and leaning back in his chair
comfortably, he gave himself up to watching the changes in the
countenance of the other, who proceeded to scan the batch of papers with
marked interest. And, although Broderick made no comments, he did a lot
of thinking. Finally eyeing Murgatroyd with suspicion, he asked:--
"Without prejudice to anybody's rights, I'd like to know how you got all
this?"
"It's easy when you know how," returned Murgatroyd, smiling; "and I've
learned how."
Broderick's face broke into a confused, distorted smile.
"Now, without making any damaging admissions," he conceded, "do you know
it would be blamed uncomfortable for me if I were dealing with any other
prosecutor than you?"
The prosecutor smiled again.
"How do you know it won't be uncomfortable for you as it is?"
Broderick burst into a laugh.
"You an' me is two of a kind--grafters together, tarred with the same
stick. That's why."
Murgatroyd nodded, took back the list and laid it down.
"That's all right, Broderick," he assented, "I didn't send for you about
these things. I've got a little job for you to do."
"Out with it!" said Broderick.