IV + 

Vettori stared at Rico, who said nothing. + 

“Crazy! Crazy!” said Blackie. “I tell him, be a man, be a man. But he say, I got to, I got to.” + 

Rico hastily put on his overcoat. + 

“Well, I guess that’s it,” said Sam Vettori. + 

“Yeah,” said Rico, “that’s it. Now get yourself a can, Sam, and let’s go. We ain’t got any time to waste.” + 

Vettori rubbed both hands over his face. + 

“Not me,” he said. + 

Rico looked at him. + 

“Take Blackie,” said Vettori. + 

Blackie implored them with his eyes. + 

“Blackie’s no good,” said Rico. + 

“No,” said Blackie, “I no good.” + 

Carillo put his head in the door. + 

“Reilley’s downstairs, boss.” + 

“Take Carillo,” said Vettori. + 

Carillo stared at them suspiciously. Rico leapt across the room and grabbed him by the arm. + 

“Listen, Bat, can you drive a can?” + 

“Sure.” + 

“Will you let her out when I office you?” + 

“Sure.” + 

“All right, let’s go.” + 

“Take that black roadster, Carillo,” said Vettori, “but for God’s sake don’t smash it up.” + 

Carillo ran out leaving the door open. Rico walked over and closed the door, then he said: + 

“Sam, you ain’t got any more guts than Tony. Now listen, get down there and talk turkey to Reilley. Get that! By God, I guess I got to boss this job myself.” + 

Vettori looked at Rico with hatred. But he said: + 

“All right, Rico, you’re the boss now.” + 

Rico went out. Blackie said: + 

“Goodbye Tony!” + 

Carillo was waiting with the black roadster in the alleyway. Rico jumped in and the roadster leapt away. Carillo took a turn on two wheels. + 

“It’s a cinch he went the shortest cut,” said Rico. + 

“Sure,” said Carillo, “I know what I’m doing.” + 

“All right,” said Rico, “do it.” + 

The wind had risen and it began to snow, big, heavy flakes which sailed past the street lights. In a few minutes the ground was covered. + 

Carillo took the shortest cut and Rico, holding his big automatic on the seat beside him, sat straining his eyes. But there was no sign of Tony. + 

“If we miss him, I’ll kick hell out of Blackie,” said Rico. + 

“Keep your shirt on, boss,” said Carillo. + 

The tall spires of St. Dominick’s rose before them at the end of the block. The street was deserted. Carillo drove slowly now, hugging the curb. In a moment he pointed: + 

“There’s a guy.” + 

Rico leaned forward. + 

“Take it easy, Bat,” he said, “I think it’s Tony.” + 

“Tony,” called Rico. + 

“Yeah?” came Tony’s voice. “Who is it?” + 

Rico fired. A long spur of flame shot out in the darkness. Rico emptied his gun. Tony fell without a sound. + 

“All right now, Bat,” said Rico, “let her out.” + 