'I should not object, if I had one; but I have not.' He reddened and was
much confused as he gave the answer.

'At least,' said Mr Inspector, with no change of voice or manner, 'you
will not object to write down your name and address?'

'Not at all.'

Mr Inspector dipped a pen in his inkstand, and deftly laid it on a
piece of paper close beside him; then resumed his former attitude.
The stranger stepped up to the desk, and wrote in a rather tremulous
hand--Mr Inspector taking sidelong note of every hair of his head when
it was bent down for the purpose--'Mr Julius Handford, Exchequer Coffee
House, Palace Yard, Westminster.'

'Staying there, I presume, sir?'

'Staying there.'

'Consequently, from the country?'

'Eh? Yes--from the country.'

'Good-night, sir.'

The satellite removed his arm and opened the wicket, and Mr Julius
Handford went out.

'Reserve!' said Mr Inspector. 'Take care of this piece of paper, keep