“I know that, all right, and I’m not scared.”
“You’re not very communicative,” said the other. “Suppose you untie me now, and we’ll talk business. If it is money you want——”
“Why untie you when I’ve got it all right here on the table?”
“Well, what are you going to do?”
“Give you a surprise,” came the answer.
The Black Star saw the man before him straighten up suddenly. His hand went to his hat, and the hat came off, and with it a black wig. And then he smiled and bowed.
“Roger Verbeck!” the Black Star gasped.
“At your service, Sir Crook! I said I’d get you, and I have!”
“But—— How did you get here so soon? I saw you back at the National Trust—as I was leaving.”
“Pardon me, my dear Mr. Black Star. You are not very observing, are you? How many times have you seen me, spoken to me?”