“Because you haven’t assured me that Watson is your right name. Is it?”
“No.”
“So far so good. Now, am I too inquisitive if I ask you what your business is?”
“I’m what is commonly known as a detective, but my more dignified title is secret service operative.”
“I thought so.”
CHAPTER XX
“Jump as Far as You Can!”
“You’re a pretty smart boy,” said Watson appreciatively. “But I’m not half so much interested in how and where you got your information as I am in the question as to what bearing it has on conditions here.”
“That’s easily explained,” replied Burton. “You’re the leader here. Nearly everybody looks to you for advice. At first I thought you were a bad actor; then I changed my opinion, but still you puzzled me. You’re such an important person here, I wanted every doubt removed.”
“Who told you I was a detective?”
“I don’t know. Glennon and I overheard a conversation between two men on the steamer. They didn’t know anybody was near, and we couldn’t see them.”