the carrying
out of his scheme.

"Take the chairs out of the office, Dan," he directed, "except mine and
one other--that one!" He indicated a chair standing a little way from
one end of his desk. "Now, have all the shades up." He chuckled as he
added: "That Turner woman saved you the trouble with one."

As the doorman went out after having fulfilled these commands, the
Inspector lighted the cigar which he had retained still in his mouth,
and then seated himself in the chair that was set partly facing the
windows opening on the corridor. He smiled with anticipatory triumph as
he made sure that the whole length of the corridor with the barred
doors of the cells was plainly visible to one sitting thus. With a final
glance about to make certain that all was in readiness, he returned to
his chair, and, when the door opened, he was, to all appearances, busily
engaged in writing.

"Here's Garson, Chief," Cassidy announced.

"Hello, Joe!" Burke exclaimed, with a seeming of careless friendliness,
as the detective went out, and Garson stood motionless just within the
door.

"Sit down, a minute, won't you?" the Inspector continued, affably. He
did not look up from his writing as he spoke.

Garson's usually strong face was showing weak with fear. His chin, which
was commonly very firm, moved a little from uneasy twitchings of his
lips. His clear eyes were slightly clouded to a look of apprehension,
as they roved the room furtively. He made no answer to the Inspector's
greeting for a few moments, but remained standing without movement,
poised alertly as if sensing some concealed peril. Finally, however,
his anxiety found expression in words. His tone was pregnant with alarm,
though he strove to make it merely complaining.

"Say, what am I arrested for?" he protested. "I ain't done anything."

Even now, Burke did not look up, and his pen continued to hurry over the
paper.

"Who told you you were arrested?" he remarked, cheerfully, in his
blandest voice.

Garson uttered an ejaculation of disgust.

"I don't have to be told," he retorted, huffily. "I'm no college
president, but, when a cop grabs me and brings me down here, I've got
sense enough to know I'm pinched."

The Inspector did not interrupt his work, but answered with the utmost
good nature.

"Is that what they did to you, Joe? I'll have to speak to Cassidy about
that. Now, just you sit down, Joe, won't you? I want to have a little
talk with you. I'll be throu