"I am indebted to you. What were you doing on the second floor at that hour?"
"I could n't sleep and was smoking in my room when I heard some one pass my door. I went out and saw him flashing a dark lantern below. My shoes were off and I had him before he heard me."
"That was really clever of you. Chief Roberts has informed me that he is a professional, wanted on several other charges. When he sends word I want you to press the charge for me. Of course this will not appear in the newspapers, so please say nothing to any one about it."
As Armitage nodded, she looked at him closely.
"How long do you intend to stay with us, McCall?"
Armitage started.
"Why—I—I—" he paused.
"Oh, no matter. I thought, perhaps, you might be ambitious to join the police force. I think I could help you."
Jack, inwardly raging, flushed and glanced at her uncertainly.
"Thank you," he said, "I 'll consider—I—I 'll let you know."