"Well, was I not a friend of the man who is now a fugitive?" I remarked.
"Ah, of course! And depend upon it, Mr. Royle, when this affair is cleared up, we shall find that your friend was a man of very curious character," he said, pursing his lips. "Inquiries have shown that many mysteries concerning him remain to be explained."
For a moment I did not speak. Then I asked:
"Is anything known concerning a woman friend of his named Petre?"
"Petre?" he echoed. "No, not that I'm aware of. But it seemed that he was essentially what might be called a ladies' man."
"I know that. He used to delight in entertaining his lady friends."
"But who is this woman Petre whom you've mentioned?" he inquired with some curiosity.
"The woman who is ready to give you information for a consideration," I replied.
"How do you know that?"
"Well, I am acquainted with her. I was with her last night," was my quick response. "Her intention is to condemn a perfectly innocent woman."