"Let me pass!" growled the other in low, ugly tones, as he shot a savage glance at the old detective, and made an effort to go by.
"Wait a moment!" persisted the officer.
"I ain't got any time."
"Tut-tut!"
"Well, what do you want?"
"I've taken a violent interest in your whiskers, sir."
"Come, now, none of your guying——"
"Oh, I ain't fooling. I've taken such a huge interest in your whiskers that I'd like to have a handful as a keepsake."
And so saying the detective grabbed them.
A slight pull dislodged them from the man's face, causing him to recoil, giving utterance to a smothered cry of alarm.