Drevenoff's face was waxen with increased fear; the wide open stare of his eyes grew more marked. He was about to say something, but before he could do so Karkowsky spoke.
"Who," asked the elder Pole, "is this gentleman?"
The girl laughed in a mocking sort of way.
"An amateur policeman," she said. "Perhaps you have heard of him. His name is Ashton-Kirk."
Karkowsky seemed to ponder; but at length he shook his head.
"No," said he, "I do not recall the name." Then to the secret agent: "Would you mind stating your business, sir?"
"You would make an excellent comedian, Mr. Karkowsky," said the other. "I do not recall ever having seen that so well done before. And when one considers how many times the device has been used, that is saying a great deal."
Drevenoff took a step toward the speaker.
"What," demanded he, "did you mean a moment ago when you spoke of my being strongly urged?"