The Englishman fitted a pair of glasses on his nose as he spoke. “I’d like to have a few words with you in private.” “I don’t know you, my man.” “You will very soon discover who I am,” said Burt. Barry led the way into one of many small, curtained compartments, fitted up around the sides of a large rear room. Both men sat down. Billy did know who his companion was, and he felt rather uneasy. “I did not know you were on this side of the ocean,” remarked the detective, “until this morning.” “Who do you take me to be?” “Billy Barry, a notorious London crook,” replied Burt. The other flushed up to the roots of his hair. “You are exceedingly complimentary?” he remarked. “I about hit the nail on the head, just the same?” “Who are you?” “Don’t you know?” “I shouldn’t have asked you if I did,” replied Barry. “My name is Burt Cromwell, and I am a detective.” “I don’t see what business you can possibly have with me.” “First of all, I want to make some inquiries about a dear friend of yours.” “A friend of mine?” “Yes; one you must have been bleeding rather liberally.” “I certainly do not know what you are trying to get at.” “I refer to the Abyssinian priest who is known as Ajeeb.” Again the English crook started. How had the detective learned of the connection? That puzzled the rascal. First he thought that perhaps Burt Cromwell had captured Ajeeb and the latter had informed against him. Billy dismissed that thought almost at its birth. Ajeeb would never squeal, he told himself. “I don’t know the man you refer to,” replied Barry. “I have proof that you do know him,” said Burt Cromwell. “Proof, eh?” “Yes; that of Enoch Cook.” A light broke upon Billy. Stolburst had told his fellow prisoner about him. “I don’t see that it is any of your business who my acquaintances are.” “In this case I choose to make it my business,” said Burt. “You are very impudent.” The detective laughed. “Don’t try to play the role of a highly indignant gentleman--it won’t fit you.” “What about this Ajeeb?” “Oh! you choose to admit that you know him, eh?” “Is it a crime to know him?” “No; but those who associate with him are always mixed up in his crimes.” “I did not cross the ocean to do any funny business.” “Come over for pleasure, I suppose.” “That’s just the size of it.” “I know you are in this man’s employ,” said Burt. Barry laughed. His mirth was forced, however. “My dear fellow,” he said, “this Ajeeb has millions of money.” “Then you have had a very soft snap,” remarked Burt. “Having so much money, why should he engage in crooked work?” “His mission to this country is one of murder, as you know.” “I do not know of the Abyssinian having killed anybody.” “How about Henry Stolburst?” Barry expected to be asked that question, and he was prepared. “Who is he?” “The unfortunate man who is in this demon’s power, and who has been tortured by him,” replied the detective hotly. “I know no such man,” returned Billy promptly.