"Yes, I think I did," interposed Al, "But will you please tell me right now why you are here?"
"I am here in my capacity of deputy sheriff of this county," replied the official, with dignity, "and also as a personal friend of Mr. Marmaduke Merry."
"Mr. Marmaduke Merry!" exclaimed Al.
"Yes. No wonder you start and turn pale at the mere mention of that name."
"But I did not start or turn pale. Who is Mr. Marmaduke Merry?"
"You pretend not to know?"
"I pretend nothing at all; I do not know. I never heard the name of Marmaduke Merry before in my life."
"This subterfuge will avail you nothing," said the deputy, who was becoming theatrical. "We know all."
"All what?"
Al could not help laughing, and this evidently angered the overzealous deputy.