“Run them in because of this Sherwood affair?” asked Larry.
“Surest thing you know. I've got all the evidence I seed.”
“But—” Larry was beginning protestingly, when the doorbell rang again. Maggie opened the door, and there entered Miss Sherwood, with Hunt just behind her, and Dick just behind him, and Casey and Gavegan following these three. All in the room were surprised at this invasion with the sole exception of Joe Ellison.
“When Mr. Dick spoke over the 'phone about your coming,” he said to Miss Sherwood, “I asked you not to do it.”
Barlow was prompt to speak, and the sudden change in his voice would have been amazing to those who do not know how the little great men of the Police Department, and other little great men, can alter their tones. He had recognized Miss Sherwood at once, as would any one else at all acquainted with influential New York.
“Miss Sherwood, I believe,” he said, essaying a slight bow.
“Yes. Though I fear I have not the pleasure of knowing you.”
“Deputy Barlow, head of the Detective Bureau of the Police Department,” he informed her. “Entirely at your service.”
“Just what is going on here?” she queried. “I know a part of what has happened”—she was addressing herself particularly to Maggie and Larry—“for Dick telephoned me about seven, and I came right into town. He told me everything he knew—which threw a different light on a lot of events—and Dick telephoned at about nine that I was coming over. But something more seems to have happened.”
“Miss Sherwood, it's like—” began Barlow.