"He's accused of murdering Mr. Harcourt, who died at your house not long ago."
"Lud! To think o' that!" Solomon fixed the commissioner with his wide blue stare, seemingly as harmless as a baby's, then shifted it to the officer. "Your servant, lieutenant, sir! Mr. Smith, might I 'ave bit o' speech with you in the other room, sir?"
"You may not. By the way, lieutenant, better make sure of getting Mr. Solomon as witness in this case I——"
"Beggin' your pardon, sir; but if so be as you 'as the time, I'd like a bit o' speech with you in the other room."
Smith looked up, raging at Solomon's calm persistency.
"Confound your deuced insolence, sir!" he began. "Do you think——"
"Did you ever 'appen to 'ear, sir," and the wide blue eyes narrowed a trifle, "as 'ow this station come wacant? Werry unforchnit it was, sir, for the gentleman as was 'ere before you. Lieutenant, your servant; if so be as you'd say a word to Mr. Smith——"
"I really think, sir," said the police officer dryly, "that it would be wise to grant Mr. Solomon's request."
Smith glared from one to the other, while Hammer chuckled. Then, as Solomon very calmly drew out clay pipe and plug, the commissioner sprang to his feet and whirled into the other room.
"Very well, Solomon."