Being left alone, Barnwell could but reflect upon the strangeness of the stranger's behavior, for, indeed, he did not seem like a stranger there at all.
At the expiration of five minutes the door opened, and, apparently, another person entered the room.
"I am told you are in search of one Peter Vola," said he, taking a seat in front of him.
"I am, and have been for several days," replied Barnwell.
"What do you wish with him?"
"That is his business and mine, sir."
"Indeed? Might I ask what it relates to?"
"You might, indeed, but I should not inform you unless you were Peter Vola."
"But do you not know that he is hunted by the police, and that it is positively dangerous on your part to be even inquiring for him?"
"I was not aware of it, sir."