There might be something in this." And Haggerty paid his call promptly; only, Thomas saw him first.

The morning sun lighted up the rugged Irish face.

Thomas not only saw him but knew who he was, and in this he had the advantage of the encounter.
One of the first things a detective has to do is to surprise his man, and then immediately begin to bullyrag and overbear him; pretend that all is known, that the game is up.

Nine times out of ten it serves, for in the same ratio there is always a doubtful confederate who may "peach" in order to save himself.
Thomas never stirred from his place against the rail.

He drew on his pipe and pretended to be stolidly interested in the sweating stevedores, the hoist-booms and the brown coffee-bags.
A hand fell lightly on his shoulder.