The Duke replied with asperity:
"Well, sir. You are speaking rather loudly. I presume that I have offended you?"
"You presume! I should say you do. That's a hot one. Who are you, anyway?"
"I am Carlos, Hernando y Calderos, Duke of Alva. I have other titles, but they would hardly interest you."
The detective glared at him malevolently, mimicking the crisp enunciation of the nobleman.
"But you interest me, sweetie. Dook of Alver—and then some, eh? Ain't that just too cutey-cutey for any use? Say, I'm used to these dooks and counts—I've been around Peacock Alley at the Waldorf too long not to know 'em by their checkered pants and them canes! Say, Dook! If you was the Archbishop of Canterbury I'd run yer in and take yer ashore, if yer give me any more of yer lip."
Jarvis, bumping his heels against the trunk, smiled with diabolical enjoyment in the face of his Excellency!
IX
CHECKMATE THE FIRST