"It is very nice of you to say so," said Officer Garroway, simpering a little. "I am about to call at Mr. Beamish's apartment now with my latest effort. And how has the world been using you, Mr. Mullett?"
"All right. Everything hunky-dory with you?"
"Completely. Well, I must not detain you. No doubt you are on your way to some important appointment."
"That's right. Say!" said Mullett, suddenly inspired. "Are you on duty?"
"Not for the moment."
"But you wouldn't object to making a cop?"
"By no means. I am always willing—and, indeed, anxious—to make a cop."
"Well, there was a suspicious character on our roof just now. A woman. I didn't like the look of her."
"Indeed? This is extremely interesting."
"She was snooping around, looking in at our windows, and I don't think she's up to any good. You might go and ask her what she wants."