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." Caranby did not reply, but looked steadily at the two men who were walking slowly up the room.