but Pugsy, having no immediate duties on hand, concentrated himself on the cat.     

       "Say!" he said.     

       "Well?"     

       "Dat kitty."     

       "What about her?"     

       "Pipe de leather collar she's wearing."     

       Billy had noticed earlier in the proceedings that a narrow leather collar encircled the cat's neck. He had not paid any particular attention to it.       "What about it?" he said.     

       "Guess I know where dat kitty belongs. Dey all have dose collars. I guess she's one of Bat Jarvis's kitties. He's got a lot of dem for fair, and every one wit one of dem collars round deir neck."     

       "Who's Bat Jarvis? Do you mean the gang-leader?"     

       "Sure. He's a cousin of mine," said Master Maloney with pride.     

       "Is he?" said Billy. "Nice sort of fellow to have in the family. So you think that's his cat?"     

       "Sure. He's got twenty-t'ree of dem, and dey all has dose collars."     

       "Are you on speaking terms with the gentleman?"     

       "Huh?"     

       "Do you know Bat Jarvis to speak to?"     

       "Sure. He's me cousin."     

       "Well, tell him I've got the cat, and that if he wants it he'd better come round to my place. You know where I live?"     

       "Sure."     

       "Fancy you being a cousin of Bat's, Pugsy. Why did you never tell us? Are you going to join the gang some day?"     

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