"Do you know a good detective, Ahbel?"
"Indeed I do, ma'am."
"You are quite sure he is a thoroughly reliable man?"
"Quite sure, ma'am. He is considered one of the very best in New York, and his word goes further with the superintendent than any of them."
"Do you know where to find him?"
"Yes'm. He is my uncle. I was at his house last night to see his daughter, my cousin. I came to ask your permission, but Miss Chalmers said you were not to be disturbed, and that if you required anything, her maid could attend you."
But Carlita seemed not to have heard the latter part of the speech.
"Would he be at home now?"
"Yes'm. He finished a case only yesterday, and said he would take a few days' rest; but I know he would do this for you, Miss de Barryos. He is like an old war-horse, anyway. The mention of a new mystery to solve is like the sound of a trumpet to a horse. He gets restless in a moment."