“Not at all. Momentarily interrupted—that is all. You had better run along and forget what you have just seen.”
“You appear to be extremely confident that I——”
“It is a confidence inspired by careful scheming and mature deliberation,” broke in the detective, his voice once more assuming that quiet drawl, which since the first had interested Klein. “And of course you will not think of mentioning to-night’s incident, Mr. Klein, realizing the circumstances that surround you.”
“I know of but one circumstance that could seal my lips,” replied Klein, “and that would be an extreme one. As there are slight prospects of such a miracle taking place, I’m afraid, Mr. Jarge, you will be compelled to accompany me into the house. I’m sure Mr. Lydecker will be interested in learning the identity of the——”
“Don’t you think the police of New York City would be as interested in finding you, Mr. Klein?” interrupted Jarge.
Klein’s lips hardened. This, then, was the weapon with which the detective hoped to club him into silence.
“I am quite willing to return to New York—after to-night,” he replied.
“It would be rather unpleasant, would it not? A man accused of assault to kill is not granted many favors. I do not like to see you deliberately put your head into a noose, Mr. Klein. Especially as I have twice saved you from capture.”
“What’s that?” Klein’s heart started throbbing just a trifle faster than normal. “You saved me?”
“Yes. I was the unknown who aided you to escape that night in Mrs. Wold’s boarding house. And several nights later, on board the Providence, I saved you from a certain zealous newspaper reporter, who had taken passage with the intention of apprehending you.”