"After all, he must have a speck of imagination," he thought, reassured.
"I beg pardon, sir."
Frawley had turned in embarrassment.
"Well, Inspector, what can I do for you?"
"If you please, sir," said Frawley, "I was just thinking—after all, it has been a bit of a while since I've been home—indeed, I should like it very much if I could take a good English mutton-chop and a musty ale at old Nell's, sir. I can still get the two o'clock express."
"Granted!"
"If you'd prefer not, sir," said Frawley, surprised at the vexation in his answer.
"Not at all—take the two o'clock—good day, good day!"
Inspector Frawley, sorely puzzled, shifted his balance, opened his mouth, then with a bob of his head answered hastily:
"A—good day, sir!"