“Yes,” grinned the detective, “I know it. They've got some fine specimens of ‘skeeters’ there.”
Paying no attention to this jocularity, Mr. Ryder continued:
“Judge Rossmore is living there—pending the outcome of his case in the Senate. His daughter has just arrived from Europe. My son Jefferson came home on the same ship. They are a little more friendly than I care to have them. You understand. I want to know if my son visits the Rossmores, and if he does I wish to be kept informed of all that's going on. You understand?”
“Perfectly, sir. You shall know everything.”
Mr. Ryder took a blank check from his desk and proceeded to fill it up. Then handing it to the detective, he said:
“Here is $500 for you. Spare neither trouble or expense.”
“Thank you, sir,” said the man as he pocketed the money. “Leave it to me.”
“That's about all, I think. Regarding the other matter, we'll see how the letter works.”
He touched a bell and rose, which was a signal to the visitor that the interview was at an end. Mr. Bagley entered.