"the new york policeman, comrade john, is, like all great men, somewhat peculiar. if you go to a new york policeman and exhibit a black eye, he is more likely to express admiration for the handiwork of the citizen responsible for the same than sympathy. no; since coming to this city i have developed a habit of taking care of myself, or employing private help. i do not want allies who will merely shake their heads at comrade reilly and his merry men, however sternly. i want someone who, if necessary, will soak it to them good."