“I will not detain you long,” said the other, “but will do my business at once. You know a lady named Miss Arlington?”
“Yes,” replied John, wondering.
“You lately presented her with a small piece of silk, of peculiar pattern?”
“Well, sir, to what do these questions tend?” asked John, reddening.
“Only that I would be glad to have you inform me where you got that silk.”
“Suppose I decline to inform you?”
“I hope you will not,” replied the other, coolly, “as in that case I shall be obliged to put you to personal inconvenience.”
“Who are you?” asked John.
“My name is Fitler,” replied the other. “I am a detective officer. I have to inform you that the silk in question was stolen. I hope and believe that you can satisfactorily explain your possession of it. But I shall require you to do so.”
“I can, but not at present.”