The detective nodded in a disinterested manner. “I shall be pleased to handle it. Good day, sir.”
Jarge swung briskly away, and Mr. Lydecker watched as the door closed behind him. Then he walked down the hall.
“A very smart and intelligent man, this Jarge,” he told himself. “I think I will make no mistake in hiring him.”
The next day Mr. Lydecker called at Jarge’s office, only to be met by a curt and busy stenographer with the announcement that the detective was out on an important case, and would not return before the next day.
On the following afternoon Mr. Lydecker was again unfortunate, and learned from the same busy and curt stenographer that Mr. Jarge was still engaged and was not expected in the office until Friday at the very earliest.
So, on Friday, Mr. Lydecker called up Jarge on the telephone and asked for an appointment.
The detective happened to be in his office at the time.
“I’m afraid I will have to disappoint you, Mr. Lydecker,” he said. “I’m pressed with other business. Wouldn’t some day next week answer just as well?”
“I must see you to-day,” insisted the other. “It is a very important matter.”
“Perhaps one of my assistants can be of service to you,” Jarge went on to say. “I can arrange to have——”