g it now, the snobs, unless
they're civil."

With which valiant determination he swung himself into another cab, and
ordered the man to drive to the head police-station.

The inspector was not in, but his second-in-command was, and to him,
much against his will, Samuel had to explain his business.

"Well, what do you know about the prisoner?" asked the official.

"Oh, plenty. You'd better subpoena me for the next examination," said
Sam.

The sub-inspector smiled.

"You're like all the rest of them," he said, "think you know all about
it. Come, let's hear what you've got to say, young fellow; there's
plenty of work to be done here, I can tell you, without dawdling our
time."

"Thank you," said Sam, "I'd sooner tell the magistrate."

"Go and tell the magistrate then!" shouted the official, "and don't stay
blocking up the room here."

This was not what Samuel expected. There was little chance of the
magistrate being more impressed with his importance than a sub-
inspector. So he felt the only thing for it was to bring himself to the
unpleasant task of showing his cards after all.

"The fact is--" he began.

"If you're going to say what you know about the case, I'll listen to
you," said the sub-inspector, interrupting him, "if not, go and talk in
the street."

"I am going to say what I know," said the crestfallen Sam.

"Very well. It's a pity you couldn't do it at first," said the
official, getting up and standing with his back turned, warming his
hands at the fire.

Under these depressing circumstances Samuel began his story, showing his
weakest cards first, and saving up his trumps as long as he could. The
sub-inspector listened to him impassively, rubbing his hands, and
warming first one toe and then the other in the fender.

At length it was all finished, and he turned round.

"That's all you know?"

"Yes--at present--I expect to discover more, though, in a day or two."

"Just write your name and address on one of those envelopes," said the
sub-inspector, pointing to a stationery case on his table.

Sam obeyed, and handed the address to the official.

"Very well," said the latter, folding the paper up without looking at
it, and putting it into his waistcoat pocket, "if we want you, we'll
fetch you."

"I suppose I had better put my statement down in writing?" said Samuel,
making a last effort at pomposity.

"Can if you like," said the sub-inspector, yawning, "when you've nothing
else t