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At their hurried entrance the men had ceased their play, and one or two had risen in profane questioning and protest Billy ignored the to secure it against the detective without; but there was neither bolt nor bar

Flannagan hurtling against the opposite side exerted his noblest efforts to force an entrance to the rooht held firm as Gibraltar His mind revolved various wild plans of escape; but none bade fair to offer the slightest foothold to hope

Thefor an explanation of the interruption Two of the him out," when he turned his head suddenly toward them

"Can de beef, you poor boobs," he cried "Dere's a bunch o' dicks out dere--de joint's been pinched"

Instantly pandeic froazines and newspapers were snatched fro place beneath the table, and in the fraction of a second the roo-rooan had ceased his efforts to break down the door, and was endeavoring to persuade Billy that he ht as well come out quietly and subain Now he e to come to his side

"Follow me," he whispered "Don'tto the door again, "You big stiff," he cried, "you couldn't take a crip to a hospital, let alone takin' Billy Byrne to the still Beat it, before I come out an' spread your beezer acrost your map"

If Billy had desired to arouse the ire of Detective Sergeant Flannagan by this little speech he succeeded quite as well as he could have hoped Flannagan coain hurled hiainst the door

Instantly Byrne wheeled and fired a single shot into the arc lalobe, and Byrne stepped quickly to one side The door flew open and Sergeant Flannagan dove headlong into the darkened rooan, striking it, sprawled upon his face aazines rightside up or upside down, as they chanced to have picked theh the open doorway, banged the door to behind them, and sped across the barroom toward the street