“That is my profession, but you are the only person in Chesterton who suspects anything of the kind.”
“You mean you believe so, but, brilliant as are detectives—that is some of them—they occasionally make mistakes.”
“They would not be human if they did not.”
“But some blunder less than others. You signed your note with your initials, ‘S. P.’ I have some curiosity to know what they stand for.”
“The hotel register would have told you.”
“But I had not enough interest to look; I feel different now.”
“You may call me Simmons Pendar.”
“Knowing at the same time that it is not your real name.”
“But will serve as well as any other.”
“I am sure I have no objection; well, Mr. Simmons Pendar, I am in my room to keep the appointment you requested. I await your pleasure.”