13. “Oh, good Heavens! who ever heard of such an idea?”
14. “A little too self-evident.”
Later imitators freely use this scheme of the superior pose of the police.
15. “Ha! ha! ha! ha! ha! ha! ho! ho! ho!” roared our visitor, profoundly amused. “Oh, Dupin, you will be the death of me yet!”
16. “And what, after all, is the matter on hand?” I asked.
This device has since been much overworked.
17. “Why, I will tell you,” replied the Prefect, as he gave a long, steady, and contemplative puff, and settled himself in his chair. “I will tell you in a few words; but, before I begin, let me caution you that this is an affair demanding the greatest secrecy, and that I should most probably lose the position I now hold were it known that I confided it to any one.”
Lengthy Introduction Ends. Note that this is one unified story, with much philosophising, but no minor episodes.
18. “Proceed,” said I.
19. “Or not,” said Dupin.