"I cannot imagine," returned the other.
Hearing voices, the gentleman advanced.
"Ah," said he, "allow me to introduce myself. I am Mr. Gryce, of the New York Detective Service."
"Mr. Gryce!" repeated the District Attorney, in astonishment.
The famous detective bowed. "I have come," said he, "upon a summons received by me in Utica not six hours ago. It was sent by a subordinate of mine interested in the trial now going on before the court. Horace Byrd is his name. I hope he is well liked here and has your confidence."
"Mr. Byrd is well enough liked," rejoined Mr. Ferris, "but I gave him no orders to send for you. At what hour was the telegram dated?"
"At half-past eleven; immediately after the accident to Mr. Orcutt."
"I see."
"He probably felt himself inadequate to meet this new emergency. He is a young man, and the affair is certainly a complicated one."
The District Attorney, who had been studying the countenance of the able detective before him, bowed courteously.