"Now, Mr. Moriarity, I think if you are inclined to you can get yourself out of this scrape."

"Ya-as, I suppose so.

"You will let me introduce myself. My name is William Pinkerton."

Dan looked at the great detective with interest and a certain amount of awe, which, however, he quickly overcame and determined to keep a stiffer upper lip than ever.

"Oh! You're Billy Pinkerton, are you?"

"Yes, I am Billy Pinkerton, and I've been hunting for you for some time."

"Well, you ought to be satisfied; you've caught me."

"More than satisfied, Mr. Moriarity, for I've caught your friend too."

"Cook?"

"Oh, he was jailed before you."