Charles withered him with a look. "In future, Medhurst," he said, "you must never conceal yourself in a room where I am without my leave and knowledge." Medhurst bowed politely. "Oh, as you will, Sir Charles," he answered; "that's _quite_ at your own wish. Though how can I act as an efficient detective, any way, if you insist upon tying my hands like that, beforehand?" Again I detected a faint American flavour. After that rebuff, however, Medhurst seemed put upon his mettle. He redoubled his vigilance in every direction. "It's not my fault," he said plaintively, one day, "if my reputation's so good that, while I'm near you, this rogue won't approach you. If I can't _catch_ him, at least I keep him away from coming near you!" A few days later, however, he brought Charles some photographs. These he produced with evident pride. The first he showed us was a vignette of a little parson. "Who's that, then?" he inquired, much pleased. We gazed at it, open-eyed. One word rose to our lips simultaneously: "Brabazon!" "And how's this for high?" he asked again, producing another--the photograph of a gay young dog in a Tyrolese costume. We murmured, "Von Lebenstein!" "_And_ this?" he continued, showing us the portrait of a lady with a most fetching squint. We answered with one voice, "Little Mrs. Granton!" Medhurst was naturally proud of this excellent exploit. He replaced them in his pocket-book with an air of just triumph. "How did you get them?" Charles asked. Medhurst's look was mysterious. "Sir Charles," he answered, drawing himself up, "I must ask you to trust me awhile in this matter. Remember, there are people whom you decline to suspect. _I_ have learned that it is always those very people who are most dangerous to capitalists. If I were to give you the names now, you would refuse to believe me. Therefore, I hold them over discreetly for the moment. One thing, however, I say. I _know_ to a certainty where Colonel Clay is at this present speaking. But I will lay my plans deep, and I hope before long to secure him. You shall be present when I do so; and I shall make him confess his personality openly. More than that you cannot reasonably ask. I shall leave it to _you_, then, whether or not you wish to arrest him." Charles was considerably puzzled, not to say piqued, by this curious reticence; he begged hard for names; but Medhurst was adamant. "No, no," he replied; "we detectives have our own just pride in our profession. If I told you now, you would probably spoil all by some premature action. You are too open and impulsive! I will mention this alone: Colonel Clay will be shortly in Paris, and before long will begin from that city a fresh attempt at defrauding you, which he is now hatching. Mark my words, and see whether or not I have been kept well informed of the fellow's movements!"