"That's my affair. I haven't it with me and am not going to use it."
"That's your story. I don't believe it. Give it to me."
"I've told you I haven't it."
"Give it to me."
"I would if I had it. As it is, I can't."
"Give it up at once," he repeated very sharply.
This looked like a deadlock and moments were flying fast. There was nothing for it but to try the effect of my official authority, and I was fingering it, when von Welten caught sight of me and hurried in our direction. I threw up the sponge. To produce the authority in his presence would be only to make bad worse, so I put it in my waistcoat pocket.
The detective knew von Welten and saluted him.
"Well, Grossbaum, what is it? How do, Herr Lassen?"
"This man had a deal with Graun to-day and is travelling——"