I swallowed before replying. "Of course, this is exceptional," I said weakly. "He can be very good if he likes." Miss Doiran laughed. "I believe you just dote on him." I lugged the white scrap out of the welter of rug and set him up on my knees. Surprised, he stopped barking and looked me full in the eyes. Then he thrust a cold nose into my face. Almost roughly I put him away. "I believe you're right," I said. Ten minutes later we drove up to Flail Police Station. I thrust Nobby under my arm and stepped out of the car. Then I turned to the girl. "I'll be as quick as I can," I said. "Right oh!" Sure enough it was my dispatch-case. In some embarrassment I described the ridiculous contents. Then I produced the key and confirmed my own words. "I must say," I said, "you haven't wasted much time. How did you recover it?" The inspector in charge looked grave. "'E's a nice little lot, what took this case, sir. I shouldn't wonder if there was 'alf a dozen warrants out for 'im. As plausible a rogue as ever I see, an' as full o' swank as a negg is o' meat. Told us the tale proper, 'e did. One o' the kind as gets through by sheer nerve. Now, nine out o' ten'd 'ave bin through this 'ere case last night and throwed it away. But 'e's not that sort. Walks through the town this afternoon with it under 'is arm, as bold as brass." A 'plain-clothes' man entered and stood waiting. "All ready? Right." He turned again to me. "An' now, sir, we'll be obliged if you'll step into the yard and see if you see anybody you recognize. I'd like the identification to be regular." Perceiving my chance of doing the thief a good turn, I assented readily. It was my fixed intention to recognize no one. I followed the policeman into a high-walled yard. Variously attired, six men were drawn up in line. "Do you see anybody you know?" repeated the inspector. I did. _Standing third from the left, with a seraphic look on his face, was Berry._ For a moment I stood spellbound. Then I began to laugh uncontrollably. "Go on, you fool," said Berry. "Indicate the felon. I admit it's one up to you, but I'll get my own back. You wait. Why, there's Kernobby." The terrier slipped from under my arm and ran to where he stood. "Good dog. But I mustn't play with you till the gentleman in blue boxcloth says so. 'Sides, I'm a giddy criminal, I am." He addressed my companion. "Will you dismiss the parade, inspector? Or shall we do a little troop drill?" I turned to the bewildered officer. "It's all a mistake, inspector. This is my brother-in-law. He must have borrowed the case without my knowledge. For goodness' sake, get these men away and we'll explain things." The inspector hesitated, but Nobby's frantic efforts to lick the suspect's face settled the matter. Gruffly he acted upon my suggestion, and the little squad broke up.