Again the lady stamped her foot.
"I care nothing for your approval! And it has nothing at all to do with the matter on hand."
The detective coughed apologetically.
"Perfectly true, madam. But I can't help it. I assure you I always do admire a young woman who sticks up for her young man when he happens to find himself in a bit of a scrape. But, if you take my tip, Miss Strong, you'll leave us men to manage these sort of things. You'll only do Mr. Paxton harm by interfering. You tell her, Mr. Franklyn, if what I say isn't true."
Miss Strong turned towards Mr. Ireland, cutting short the words on Franklyn's lips before they had a chance of getting themselves spoken.
"Do not refer to Mr. Franklyn on any matter which concerns me. There is no connection between us. Mr. Franklyn and I are strangers. I am quite capable of taking care of myself. I even think that you may find me almost a match for you." She turned to Treadwater. "Is Mr. Paxton stopping in this hotel?"
"He stayed here last night, madam. And he has been here again this evening. At present, he is out."
"And what is this?"
She motioned towards the open bag, with its contents strewed upon the table.
"That is Mr. Paxton's. Mr. Ireland has forced it open."