“I remember you arrested that man in Fashion Street, and he was a pretty tough customer.”
“I have met others worse, but I have never had fire-arms about me. A walking-stick is the only weapon I ever carry.”
“You have lots of pluck.”
“Lots, but I tell you, all the same, this man I am after now almost frightens me. No matter, what is, is, and what will be, will be. Can you tell me where I can get a butterfly net?”
“What do you want that for?”
“To catch butterflies; this warm weather has brought them out in flocks. I want, also, a flannel coat, such as boating people wear; one does not go butterfly-hunting in a tall hat.”
“I see; come down town and I will rig you out; but, first, shall we go to the mortuary?”
“Yes,” replied Freyberger. “Before meeting the murderer I should like to see the victim.”
They repaired to the mortuary, and there the detective inspected the body of the unfortunate Bronson.
“It is a most extraordinary case,” said the chief constable. “He was a most inoffensive creature; he had never, to any man’s knowledge, made an enemy. He had committed no fault.”