Certainly it was a name which might well account for the amazement
written upon the inspector's face; for it was the name of admittedly the
greatest criminal investigator in Europe!
"What the devil has the case to do with the French police?" muttered
Sowerby, his ruddy countenance exhibiting a whole history of wonderment.
The constable, who had withdrawn, now reappeared, knocking deferentially
upon the door, throwing it open, and announcing:
"Mr. Gaston Max, to see Detective-Inspector Dunbar."
Bowing courteously upon the threshold, appeared a figure in a dazzling
check traveling-coat--a figure very novel, and wholly unforgettable.
"I am honored to meet a distinguished London colleague," he said in
perfect English, with a faint American accent.
Dunbar stepped across the room with outstretched hand, and cordially
shook that of the famous Frenchman.
"I am the more honored," he declared, gallantly playing up to the
other's courtesy. "This is Detective-Sergeant Sowerby, who is acting
with me in the case."
M. Gaston Max bowed low in acknowledgment of the introduction.
"It is a pleasure to meet Detective-Sergeant Sowerby," he declared.
These polite overtures being concluded then, and the door being closed,
the three detectives stood looking at one another in momentary silence.
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