“One of these men was Gunseyt, wasn’t he?” inquired the operative.
“How do you know?”
“I don’t know; I’m asking you. And I might ask you the same question that you asked me: How do you know?”
“I could tell his voice, or I’ve identified it since.”
“I thought so. Now, I’m not going to tell you how I know it, but the other fellow was either Everleigh or Little.”
“I shouldn’t be surprised if he was,” said Guy. “But I never would have guessed it.”
“It isn’t entirely a guess on my part,” assured Watson. “I have some knowledge on the subject.”
“Who is this fellow Gunseyt?”
“I could tell you some interesting things about him, but not at present. Just to ease your mind a bit, however, I’ll inform you that I took passage on the steamer to watch him in particular and certain others incidentally. If we ever get off this iceberg, I’m going to land him in jail. That’s all I can say about him at present. Regarding myself, I might tell you my true name, but I prefer to be known as Watson for the time being and avoid complications.”
Guy was well pleased with the interview. He felt on easier terms with the operative now. The latter’s frankness, coupled with an unmistakable professional shrewdness, inspired confidence and respect.