Caranby should produce such an effect, Jennings rejoined him
at the end of the room, where they sat on a sofa and smoked.
"Have you been here before?" asked the detective.

"No," answered the other, lighting his cigar, "and it is
improbable that I shall come again. My reason for coming--"
he broke off--"I can tell you that later. It is
sufficient to say that it has to do with your conduct of
this case."

"Hush!" whispered Jennings quickly, "my profession is not
known here."

"I fear it will be if these two have tongues in their heads."

The detective glanced towards the door and saw Hale enter with
Clancy at his heels. Jennings had not seen them since the
inquest on the body of Miss Loach, when they had given their
evidence with great grief and frankness. He was annoyed at
meeting them here, for although he had seen them in
Maraquito's salon before, yet at that time they had not known
his profession. But since the inquest the knowledge was
common property, and doubtless they would tell Senora Gredos
if they had not done so already. Jennings' chances of
learning what he wished would therefore be slight, as everyone
is not willing to speak freely before an officer of the law.

"It can't be helped," said Jennings with a shrug; "and, in any
case, Maraquito is too anxious to stand well with the police
to make any trouble about my coming here."