"Well, really, sir, I would like to know your motive, indeed, I may add, your authority, for—"
"There it is," Brand smilingly remarked, handing the superintendent a paper.
"Oh, certainly, certainly," said Mr. Alford, after a moment. "This is all right; and I am bound to do nothing to obstruct you in the performance of your duty." He now carefully closed the door and added, "What do you want this man for?"
"It's a case of murder."
"Phew! Apparently he is one of the best men on the force."
"Only apparently; I know him well."
Mr. Alford's brow clouded with anxiety, and after a moment he said,
"Mr.—how shall I address you?"
"You had better continue to call me by the name under which I was introduced—Brown."
"Well, Mr. Brown, you have a very difficult and hazardous task, and you must be careful how you involve me in your actions. I shall not lay a straw in your way, but I cannot openly help you. It is difficult for me to get labor here at best; and it is understood that I ask no questions and deal with men on the basis simply of their relations to me. As long as I act on this understanding, I can keep public sentiment with me and enforce some degree of discipline. If it were known that I was aiding or abetting you in the enterprise you have in hand, my life would not be worth a rush. There are plenty in camp who would shoot me, just as they would you, should they learn of your design. I fear you do not realize what you are attempting. A man like yourself, elderly and alone, has no better chance of taking such a fellow as you describe Bute to be than of carrying a ton of ore on his back down the mountain. In all sincerity, sir, I must advise you to depart quietly and expeditiously, and give no one besides myself a hint of your errand."
"Will you please step into the outer office and make sure that no one is within earshot?" said Brandt, quietly.