e done. I assure you that it is a matter of the very gravest
importance. If the inspector, when he has seen me, permits, I have no
objections to you, or to all of you hearing what I have to say. But you
will understand that this is a matter for his own discretion. If I were
merely playing the fool, you must see that I have nothing to gain by
giving additional annoyance and offence.'

'Very well, sir, I will bring the officer in charge,' said the policeman.

'Just tell him about my arrest and so on,' said Merton.

In a few minutes he returned with his superior.

'Well, my man, what's a' this aboot?' said that officer sternly.

'If you can give me an interview, alone, for five minutes, I shall
enlighten you,' said Merton.

The officer was a huge and stalwart man. He threw his eye over Merton.
'Wait in the yaird,' he said to his minions, who retreated rather
reluctantly. 'Weel, speak up,' said the officer.

'It is the body snatching case at Kirkburn,' said Merton.

'Do ye mean that ye're an English detective?'

'No, merely a friend of Mr. Logan's who left Kirkburn this evening. I
have business to do for him in London in connection with the
case--business that nobody can do but myself--and the house was watched.
I escaped in the disguise which you see me wearing, and had to throw off
a gang of ruffians that accompanied me in the train by pretending to be
drunk. I could only shake them off and destroy the suspicions which they
expressed by getting arrested.'

'It's a queer story,' said the policeman.

'It _is_ a queer story, but, speaking without knowledge, I think your
best plan is to summon the chief of your detective department, I need his
assistance. And I can prove my identity to him--to _you_, if you like,
but you know best what is official etiquette.'

'I'll telephone for him, sir.'

'You are very obliging. All this is confidential, you know. Expense is
no object to Mr. Logan, and he will not be ungrateful if strict secrecy
is preserved. But, of all things, I want a wash.'

'All right, sir,' said the policeman, and in a few minutes Merton's head,
hands, and neck, were restored to their pristine propriety.

'No more kailyard talk for me,' he thought, with satisfaction.

The head of the detective department arrived in no long time. He was in
evening dress. Merton rose and bowed.

'What's your story, sir?' the chief asked; 'it has brought me from a
dinner party at my own house.'

'I dee