"Yes, sir," replied the secretary.
"I'll see them in a few minutes. Leave me with Sergeant Ellison."
Mr. Bagley bowed and retired.
"Well, Sergeant, what have you got to report?"
He opened a box of cigars that stood on the desk and held it out to the detective.
"Take a cigar," he said amiably.
The man took a cigar, and also the match which Mr. Ryder held out. The financier knew how to be cordial with those who could serve him.
"Thanks. This is a good one," smiled the sleuth, sniffing at the weed.
"We don't often get a chance at such as these."
"It ought to be good," laughed Ryder. "They cost two dollars apiece."
The detective was so surprised at this unheard of extravagance that he inhaled a puff of smoke which almost choked him. It was like burning money.