Two taxicabs were standing in the yard, and into the first of these Inspector Kerry stepped, followed by Coombes, the latter breathing heavily and carrying his hat in his hand, since he had not yet found time to put it on.
“Vine Street,” shouted Kerry. “Brisk.”
He leaned back in the cab, chewing industriously. Coombes, having somewhat recovered his breath, essayed speech.
“Is it something big?” he asked.
“Sure,” snapped Kerry. “Do they send me to stop dog-fights?”
Knowing the man and recognizing the mood, Coombes became silent, and this silence he did not break all the way to Vine Street. At the station:
“Wait,” said Chief Inspector Kerry, and went swinging in, carrying his overall and having the malacca cane tucked under his arm.
A few minutes later he came out again and reentered the cab.
“Piccadilly corner of Old Bond Street,” he directed the man.
“Is it burglary?” asked Detective-Sergeant Coombes with interest.