“I want a room to search a suspect,” said the inspector.
“Use one of these staterooms,” said the officer, pointing along the deck. “They’re all empty now.”
The inspector and his prisoner passed into the ship. Willie followed. At the first stateroom the inspector threw open the door and Simonski entered. The inspector noticed Willie, who had followed close behind them.
“I wish you’d step in here a moment,” he said. “I might need help.”
Willie entered the stateroom and closed the door. “Lock it,” said the inspector. Willie turned the key.
“Now get your duds off,” said the inspector to Simonski.
The traveler put his cane in the bunk, sat down on the front edge of the bunk, and began to undress. With absolute thoroughness the inspector examined every stitch the man handed him. He pressed every inch of cloth between his finger and his thumb, but nothing larger than a grain of dust could be felt. The most careful search failed to reveal a single thing that seemed suspicious.
“Put your clothes on,” said the inspector. Then he stepped out in the corridor, followed by Willie. The latter hesitated a moment, then told the inspector who he was.
“I knew who you were,” said the inspector.
Willie gasped with surprise. “How did you know?” he asked.