“You talk about the past,” he said, in incisive tones. “I don’t understand you. I am the Chief of the Department I have named--right now--at this present moment; and that fact, I think, you’ll not find disputed by any member of the Uniformed Force, be his rank what it may. If you have any doubt, I would suggest that you telephone to Official Headquarters in New York.” “Telephone!” ejaculated the Lieutenant. Again he laughed amusedly. “I said telephone,” retorted Kearns sharply. “Perhaps,” he added scornfully, “you are not equipped with such an instrument here!” “Scarcely,” answered the Lieutenant with a sniff, casting his eye toward a handsome looking instrument at the further end of the room. “A telephone, eh? Yes, I remember some time ago seeing one displayed as a curiosity at the Eden Musee in New York. Quite an interesting antique!” “Sir,” said Kearns sternly; “I haven’t time to bandy foolish words with you. My friend and I are tired and we wish to go home at once. I want to ask you what kind of a charge this is upon which your men have dared to arrest two reputable citizens.” “Unless the Medical Examiner declares them irresponsible,” answered the Lieutenant sarcastically, “the two reputable citizens are likely to find this matter pretty serious before they get through with it.” “This is outrageous!” exclaimed Kearns, his anger rising. “Your behavior, sir, is infamous. If you occupied a similar position in the city to that which you do here, I would have you brought up on charges and reduced to the ranks for such conduct.” The Lieutenant paid no heed to this outbreak. “Your residence?” he demanded in formal tones. Before Kearns could reply, the door of the station-house was thrown hurriedly open and a tall, portly man, with red face, iron gray hair and side whiskers, bustled in. The Lieutenant turned his eyes toward the new-comer and then raised his hand in military salute. “Are these the prisoners?” asked the arrival, walking over to the desk. “Yes, Colonel,” answered the Lieutenant. “They were found on my estate?” “No, Colonel; they were arrested at Tomlinson’s.” “I understand; but they were originally found on my lands.” “That I know nothing about, Colonel. I----” “What do they say--what have you found out about them?” interrupted the Colonel eagerly. “Nothing as yet. I was about to take the record when you came in.” “I will question them myself,” said the Colonel. He turned to the prisoners. His manner betrayed a certain curiosity and eagerness, but his tone was kindly and gentle. “How did you come to be where you were found?” he asked. “The confounded Doctor!” blurted out Kearns impatiently. “The Doctor, eh!” exclaimed the Colonel with interest. “What doctor? Tell me about him.” “Well,” answered Kearns, hesitating, “the circumstances are somewhat peculiar and I don’t know that either my friend or myself care to figure as the heroes of a sensational newspaper story.”