“They are. They are as correct,” returned Mr. Riderhood, “as I am. I can’t say more than that for ’em.”

“I’ll take this man myself, sir,” said Mr. Inspector to Lightwood. Then to Riderhood, “Is he at home? Where is he? What’s he doing? You have made it your business to know all about him, no doubt.”

Riderhood said what he did know, and promised to find out in a few minutes what he didn’t know.

“Stop,” said Mr. Inspector; “not till I tell you: We mustn’t look like business. Would you two gentlemen object to making a pretence of taking a glass of something in my company at the Fellowships? Well-conducted house, and highly respectable landlady.”