"Precisely what I say—or maybe you don't like to tell me—such things are apt to be on a confidential basis. Anyhow, I'm glad you're safe, Mr. Grouch, and I hope your troubles are over."
"They will be when you give me back my $30,000," said Grouch.
"Your what?" demanded Holmes, with well-feigned surprise.
"My $30,000," repeated Blank, his voice rising to a shout.
"My dear Mr. Grouch," said Holmes, "how should I know anything about your $30,000?"
"Didn't your—your man take it?" demanded Grouch, huskily.
"My man? Really, Mr. Grouch, you speak in riddles this evening. Pray make yourself more clear."
"Your reformed burglar, who broke open my safe, and—" Grouch went on.
"I have no such man, Mr. Grouch."
"Didn't you send a man to my house, Mr. Raffles, to break open my safe, and take certain specified parcels of negotiable property therefrom?" said Grouch, rising and pounding the table with his fists.