"Yes."

"To prevent a mistake, may I ask your name?"

"Certainly. It is Royson, Richard Royson."

"And address?"

A curious ring of satisfaction in the newcomer's voice carried a
warning note with it. Dick was conscious, too, that he had departed
from the new role assigned to him by his employer, yet it would be
absurd to begin explaining that he was not known as Royson, but as
King, in connection with von Kerber. The blunder annoyed him, and he
faced his questioner squarely.

"Before I give you any more information I want to know who you are," he
said.

His downright way of speaking appeared to carry conviction.

"Well, Mr. Royson, I don't mind telling you that I am a private inquiry
agent," was the ominous answer. "I am retained by a gentleman who
brings a very serious charge against von Kerber, and, as I have reason
to believe that you are only slightly mixed up in this affair at
present, I am commissioned to offer you a handsome reward for any
valuable information you may give my client or procure for him in the
future."

"Indeed!" said Dick, who was debating whether or not to knock the man
down.