CHAPTER I.

An Intricate Case.

A gentle tap sounded at the door of the inspector's private office in police headquarters in the city of New York.

“Come!” exclaimed the inspector.

The door opened and a sergeant entered. “Someone to see you, chief,” announced the sergeant.

“Who?”

“Says his name is Jingle. He's a countryman.”

“Show him in.”

The sergeant departed; but two minutes later he returned accompanied by an unmistakable specimen of the Connecticut farmer.

“Take a seat, sir,” said the inspector.