"Fortunately for you I am not. You will, perhaps, understand when I say I am a private detective. If a Government official were in my place it would be with a warrant."
"A warrant, monsieur?"
"A warrant, madame—for your arrest. Shall we converse here or in your private room?" She moved towards the green curtain. "A moment," I said. "Last night, when I had the pleasure of purchasing some of your very excellent provisions, and happened to mention that I was recommended by Mrs. Fordham, you had a visitor in that room, who gave you a signal. Is the gentleman there now?"
"There is no gentleman in the room," she said, throwing open the door. "How know you there was one?"
"I shall surprise you, madame, with the extent of my knowledge. In order that we may not be interrupted we will turn the key in the shop door."
"You are not afraid?" she asked, and there was a look in her eyes resembling that of a cat who is about to spring.
"Oh, no, madame," I replied, following her to the inner room, "the English are not afraid of the French."
"Nor the French of the English," she hissed.
"You are a brave nation," I said, with a polite bow, "so are we. I propose, in your interests, an alliance."
"Not in your own, monsieur?"