Young Tommy, in the adjoining cell, calls out: "Mr. Officer, please."
The Inspector steps forward. "This is Inspector Reed," he corrects the boy. "What is it you wish?"
"Oh. Mr. Inspector, I've been askin' t' see you a long time. I wanted—"
"You should have sent me a slip. Have you a copy of the rules in the cell, my man?"
"Yes, sir."
"Can you read?"
"No, sir."
"Poor boy, did you never go to school?"
"No, sir. Me moder died when I was a kid. Dey put me in de orphan an' den in de ref."
"And your father?"