"That so?" the officer remarked, with a grunt. "Get any references with him?"
"As a matter of fact, I did not," Fischer admitted frankly. "I discharged my chauffeur yesterday, at a moment's notice, and this man happened to call just as I was wanting the car out this afternoon. He promised to bring me references to-morrow from Mr. Gould and others. I engaged him on that understanding. He told me that his name was Kay— Robert Kay. That is all that I know about him, except that he was an excellent driver. I am exceedingly sorry Mr. Lutchester," he went on, turning towards him, "that this should have happened."
"So you two know one another, eh?" the officer observed.
"Oh, yes, we know one another!" Lutchester admitted drily.
"I shall have to ask you both for your names and addresses," the official continued. "I think I won't ask you any more questions at present. Seems to me headquarters had better take this on."
"I shall be quite at your service," Lutchester promised.
The man made a few more notes, saluted, and took his leave. Fischer and
Lutchester remained for a moment upon the pavement.
"It is a dangerous custom," Lutchester remarked, "to take a servant without a reference."
"It will be a warning to me for the remainder of my life," Fischer declared.
"I, too, have learnt something," Lutchester concluded, as he turned away.