Stanhope resumed his former position upon the corner of the table, pushed back his hat, and turned an attentive face to his Chief.
“Your Raid will not move until a little after midnight; this other business is for ten o’clock. You can be at liberty by eleven. You know Follingsbee, the lawyer?”
“By reputation; yes. Is he in the mystery?”
“He’s negotiating for a client; a lady.”
“A lady!” with a stare of dismay. “Why didn’t you turn her over to Van; you know he is just the man to deal with women, and I—”
“You are afraid of a petticoat! I know; and I might have chosen Vernet, if the choice had been given me. But the lawyer asked for you.”
Stanhope groaned dismally.
“Besides, it’s best for you; you are better than Vernet at a feminine make up.”
“A feminine make up!”
“Yes. Here is the business: Mr. Follingsbee desires your services for a lady client; he took care to impress upon me that she was a lady in every sense of the word. This lady had desired the services of a detective, and he had recommended you.”