Now, I thought that perhaps you, who know Brenton better than I do, would not mind asking him who John is." "My dear sir," said Speed, "Brenton is no particular friend of mine, and I only know him well enough to feel that if there is any cross-examination to be done, I should prefer somebody else to do it." "Why, you are not afraid of him, are you ?" asked the detective.
"Afraid of him?
Certainly not, but I tell you that Brenton is just a little touchy and apt to take offence.

I have found him so on several occasions.

Now, as you have practically taken charge of this case, why don't you go and see him ?" "I suppose I shall have to do that," said the Frenchman, "if you will not undertake it." "No, I will not." "You have no objection, have you, to going with me ?" "It is better for you to see Brenton alone.

I do not think he would care to be cross-examined before witnesses, you know." "Ah, then, good-bye; I shall find out from Mr.Brenton who John is." "I am sure I wish you luck," replied Speed, as Lecocq took his departure.
Lecocq found Brenton and Ferris together.

The cynical spirit seemed to have been rather sceptical about the accounts given him of the influence that Speed and Brenton, combined, had had upon the Chicago newspaper man.