"Who are you and what are you doing here?" one of the detectives demanded.
"I am going to ask that very question of you," said Norton urbanely.
"We are from headquarters," replied one, showing his badge.
"What headquarters? What are they asking you to do?" he said to Florence.
"They say I must go to the police station with them."
"Not the least in the world," laughed the reporter. "You two clear out of here as fast as your rascally legs can carry you. I don't know what your game is, but I do know every reputable detective in New York, and you don't belong."
"Good heavens!" exclaimed the countess; "do you mean to say that these men are not real detectives?"
"This girl goes to the police station, young man. So much the worse for you if you meddle. Take yourself off!"
"All in good time."
"Here, Jenner, you take charge of the girl. I'll handle this guy. He shall go to the station, too."