He objected to being startled in this manner.

"You are a detective ?" he asked.
"Oh, scarcely that, sir," Le Drieux replied in a deprecating way.

"My printed card indicates that I am a merchant, but in truth I am a special agent, employed by the largest pearl and gem dealers in the world, a firm with branches in every large European and American city.

My name is Le Drieux, sir, at your service," and with a flourish he presented his card.
The young rancher preferred to study the man's face.
"I am a sort of messenger," he continued, placidly.

"When valuable consignments of jewels are to be delivered, I am the carrier instead of the express companies.