But, among Dow's bad qualities, he had long been possessed with a love of liquor, and he never "shirked his tod" among boon companions. His newly made acquaintance, who passed, (on this occasion) for one "Jim Drake," indulged Dow's failing in this particular, and "treated " him liberally, whenever Bill was inclined to drink—for he was well aware that New England "white-eye," like "good wine, will loosen the tongue" wonderfully, at times! They drank together. Bill poured it down freely, and "left no heeltaps," until "Jim Drake" had pumped many of Dow's secrets out of him, while he filled up his inner man with the "ardent" he loved so well.
"You don't say you dodged the 'cops' after that little affair, so handily?" mumbled Bill, as the liquor began to tell on him.
"Yes," responded Drake. "An' I made for the 'cross-drum' lively, you can bet. It was a 'big thing,' and a hellabulloo followed, next morning."
"O' course," muttered Dow, knowingly.
"Take another 'snifter,' Bill," suggested Drake, pouring out half a tumbler full of the bingo, and passing it to his victim, who was already pretty full, and very communicative.
Dow didn't need urging, nor did he observe that his companion only pretended to imbibe. The "fly-cop" who had this koniacker now in hand understood his biz'; and he "chaffed" him right pleasantly—the while manoeuvering to draw him out, and gather from him various important hints that he succeeded in obtaining, ere Bill was aware that he had "blowed" upon himself, essentially!
Dow did not get so drunk that he could not carry himself. He talked with easy familiarity, believing that he had found a new man who was as deep in the mud as he was in the
