"I am her friend."
The real agitation the stranger had betrayed, had modified the detective's original opinion concerning the man.
"Answer me, are you really the girl's father?"
"I am her friend."
"You were at first ready to proclaim yourself her father; now you only claim to be a friend."
"I am her friend, and you must aid me to find her, young man; your service, if successful, will bring you more money than you have previously earned during your whole life."
"Oh, no."
"Yes, sir; I will pay you a fortune if you will find the girl."
"I already possess a fortune."
"You are rich?"