"How do you know that my name is Louis?" answered the detective with a sharp glance.
"I know a great deal about you," answered the other, and then with significant emphasis: "I know that you are interested in dreams. May I walk along with you?"
"You may," said Coquenil, and at once his keen mind was absorbed in this new problem. Instinctively he felt that something momentous was preparing.
"Rather clever, your getting on that cab to-night," remarked the other.
"Ah, you know about that?"
"Yes, and about the Rio Janeiro offer. We want you to reconsider your decision." His voice was harsh and he spoke in a quick, brusque way, as one accustomed to the exercise of large authority.
"Who, pray, are 'we'?" asked the detective.
"Certain persons interested in this Ansonia affair."
"Persons whom you represent?"
"In a way."