The card had fallen on to the floor and the governor picked it up. “Chief Inspector Fells,” he read, “let us have him in first.” A few seconds later Fells came into the room, and smiled a cheerful greeting to the governor. “Perhaps you can explain the meaning of this, Mr. Fells,” said the governor, holding the paper in his hand. Fells shook his head. “I never explain anything,” he said. “It’s the worst waste of energy to attempt to explain the actions of your superiors--I’ve got an order too.” “To see the prisoner?” “Yes, sir.” He groped in the depths of an under pocket and produced an official envelope. “I have spoken to the young lady,” he said, “and she has no objection to my seeing Mr. Amber first.” There was something about that “Mr.” which annoyed the governor. “I can understand many things,” he said irritably, “but I really cannot understand the process of mind which induces you to refer to a convict as ‘Mr. Amber’--a man with your experience of criminals, Inspector.” “Habit, sir, habit,” said Fells easily, “a slip of the tongue.” The governor was reading the new order, which was couched in similar terms to that which he had already read. “You had better see him first,” and made a sign to the chief warder. “The beggar has been grossly impertinent and is now undergoing a little mild punishment.” “M--m--yes,” hesitated the detective; “pardon my asking, but isn’t this the gaol where the man Gallers died?” “It is,” said the governor coldly; “he had a fit or a something.” “He was undergoing some punishment,” said Fells, in the reflective tone of one striving to recollect a circumstance. “It was stated so by irresponsible people,” said the governor roughly. He took down his hat from a peg and put it on. “It was said he was being punished in the same manner that Amber is--that he became ill and was unable to ring the bell--but it was a lie.” “Of course,” said the polite detective. The governor led the way through the spotless corridors up the steel stairs to the landing whereon Amber’s cell was situated. He turned the key and entered, followed by the detective. Amber was sitting on a wooden stool when the cell door opened. He did not trouble to rise until he saw Fells. Then he got up with difficulty. “Now, Mr. Fells, if you have anything to say to this man, you had better say it,” said the governor. “I think,” Fells spoke hesitatingly, deferentially, but none the less emphatically, “I think I may have this interview alone--yes?” The governor stiffened. “If you would prefer it, of course,” he said grudgingly, and turned to go. “Excuse me,” Fells laid his hand on the official’s arm. “I would rather the irons were off this man.” “Attend to your business and allow me to attend to mine, Mr. Inspector,” said the governor. “The code allows me the right to award punishment.” “Very good, sir,” replied Fells. He waited until the door clanged and then turned to Amber.