The man was standing up and holding on to one of the straps. His profile was turned to them.
Nick waited until he turned and showed his full face. The detective was bound to give Gaspard every chance to change his mind.
But he remained firm, and at last Nick approached the accused and suddenly whispered the terrifying words in his ear.
Having done so, he was obliged to carry it through. Therefore, when the stranger asked Nick to repeat what he had said, the detective, in a low voice, inaudible to anybody else in the car, told him what the accusation was.
"This is ridiculous," said the man. "I read the story of this affair in the papers this morning, but I am not connected with it in any way. If you arrest me, you must be prepared to take the consequences."
"I guess we can manage the affair quietly," said Nick, "and give you no trouble at all. I suppose you were going downtown to business?"
"Yes."
"Well, I will go along, too, if you don't mind."
"By all means," said the man, and he looked much relieved.
"I understand what your duty is," he continued. "Since this imported French jackass has made this charge, of course you'll have to look into it. Come down to the office and make some inquiries, and then go up to my flat. I was at home last evening after eight o'clock.