"Then why did she want the holes bored?"
"She wanted to see into Number Seven."
It was extraordinary, not only the man's knowledge but his unaccountable frankness. And more than ever the detective was on his guard.
"I see you know something about the affair," he said dryly. "What do you want with me?"
"The persons I represent——"
"Say the person you represent," interrupted Coquenil. "A criminal of this type acts alone."
"As you like," answered the other carelessly. "Then the person I represent wishes you to withdraw from this case."
The message was preposterous, the manner of its delivery fantastic, yet there was something vaguely formidable in the stranger's tone, as if a great person had spoken, one absolutely sure of himself and of his power to command.
"Naturally," retorted Coquenil.
"Why do you say naturally?"