“What now?”

“We must sit down. I’ve got a long story to tell you.”

“See here, lad, if you fool me I’ll cuff you.”

“All right; I’ll chance the cuffing.”

The detective led the way to a hotel reading-room, both sat down and the officer asked:

“Does this suit you?”

“Yes.”

“Then go ahead.”

“You know about the disappearance of young Alfred Burlein?”

“Yes.”