Yet there was something in this extraordinary man's personality--a force or a charm wholly dissociated it may be from worth or the sterling qualities which insure respect--which appealed to them in spite of their new-found prejudice, and prevented any dallying with his suspense or the use of any of the common methods usually employed in an encounter of this kind.
The Chief Inspector to whom the first say had been given faced the director squarely, as he saw how the hand which had just welcomed the District Attorney fell at his approach.
"You are surprised, Mr.Roberts, and rightly, to see me here not only in connection with the Prosecuting Attorney of the City of New York, but with a member of my own force.

This, you will say, is no political delegation such as you have been led to expect.

Nor is it, Mr.Roberts.
But let us hope you will pardon this subterfuge when you learn that it was resorted to for the sole purpose of sparing you all unnecessary unpleasantness in an interview which can no longer be avoided or delayed." "Let us sit." It was his only answer.
When they had all complied, the District Attorney took the lead by saying: "I am disposed to omit all preliminaries, Mr.Roberts.We have but one object in this visit and that is to clear up to your satisfaction, as well as to our own, certain difficulties of an unexpected nature which have met us in our investigation into the crime in which you, as a director of the museum in which it occurred, and ourselves as protectors of the public peace, are all vitally concerned." "Granted," came in the most courteous manner from their involuntary host.

"Yet I fail to understand why so many are needed for a purpose so laudable." "Perhaps this will no longer surprise you, if you will allow me to draw your attention to this chart," was the answer made to this by the District Attorney.
Here he took from a portfolio which he carried a square of paper which he proceeded to lay out on a table standing conveniently near.
Mr.Roberts threw a glance at it and straightened again.
"Explain yourself," said he.

"I am quite at your service." The District Attorney made, perhaps, one of the greatest efforts of his life.
"I see that you recognize this chart, Mr.Roberts.You know when it was made and why.