you don't want to. This is just a friendly
chat and no more."

"Besides," Philip continued, lighting another cigarette, "I think I
understood you to say that you had already arrived at the conclusion that
I was Douglas Romilly?"

"Not precisely that," the detective replied. "All that I discovered was
that you were the man who registered at the Waldorf Hotel as Mr. Douglas
Romilly."

"Well, the only name I choose to acknowledge at present is the name of
Merton Ware," Philip declared. "If you think there is any mystery about
me, any connection with the gentleman whom I believe you call Mr. Douglas
Romilly, well, the matter is one for your investigation. You will forgive
me if I remind you that my guests will be here in a matter of a few
minutes, and permit me to ask you one more question. Why do you come here
to me in this very unofficial manner? If I am really an impostor, you are
giving me every opportunity of clearing out."

Mr. Edward Dane shook his head. He was fingering the brim of his hat.

"Oh, no, Mr. Ware!" he declared smoothly. "Our detective system may have
some faults, but when a man's name is put on the list where yours
figures, he has not one chance in a million of leaving the country or of
gaining any place of hiding. I shall know where you lunch to-morrow and
with whom you dine, and with whom you spend your time. The law, sir, will
keep its eye upon you."

"Really, that seems very friendly," Philip said coolly. "Shall I have the
privilege of your personal surveillance?"

"I think not, Mr. Ware. To tell you the truth, this is rather a p.p.c.
visit. I've booked my passage on the _Elletania_, sailing to-morrow from
New York. I am taking a trip over to England to make a few enquiries
round about the spot where this Mr. Douglas Romilly hails from--Detton
Magna, isn't it?"

Philip made no reply, yet even his silence might well have been the
silence of indifference.

"At the last moment," the detective concluded, "it flashed in upon me
that there might be some ridiculous explanation of the few little points
about your case which, I must confess, have puzzled me. For that reason,
I decided to seek an interview with you before I left. You have, however,
I gather, nothing to say to me?"

"Nothing at all, Mr. Dane, except to wish you a pleasant voyage," Philip
declared. "I won't detain you a moment longer. I hear my guests in the
corridor. Good night, sir!" he added, opening the door. "I appreciate
you