“Concern me?” he said, in a hard, disagreeable tone. “Yes, it does concern me. It concerns me to the tune of several thousands of dollars. The part was especially worked up for him; there is no one available to take it at a moment’s notice. But there my concern begins and ends. So far as his murderer goes——” “Yes, that is what we are chiefly interested in.” “_I_ am not interested in it. Mortimer was an investment, so far as I was concerned. It is an investment which has failed. I have other things to think of that seem to me more important—and more profitable.” “But you engaged me, professionally, to——” “You will receive your check.” Barrison flushed indignantly. “Mr. Dukane! You cannot think I meant that. But if you were sufficiently interested to engage me——” Dukane raised his hand and stopped him. “Barrison,” he said, in short, clear-cut accents, “let us understand each other. I engaged you to keep Alan Mortimer alive. Alive, he was worth a good deal to me. Dead, he is worth nothing. I was perfectly willing to pay to protect my property; but having lost it, I wash my hands of the matter.” “Don’t you really want to see his murderer brought to justice?” “I really care nothing about it.” “Then you are not even willing to help the authorities?” “Help?” The manager raised his head haughtily, and stared at him with cold eyes. “What have I to do with it? What should I have to say that could help?” “You might tell us something about Mr. Mortimer’s life—something that could point toward a possible enemy. You know as well as I do that when a man dies under such circumstances, it is necessary for the officers engaged on the case to know as much of his life and antecedents as possible. In this case, no one seems to know anything except you, Mr. Dukane. That’s why I am obliged to come to you.” “I know nothing about his life, nor about his antecedents. I picked him up in a Western town, stranded, after his show had gone to pieces.” “What was the name of the show?” “I haven’t the faintest idea. Now, if you will be good enough to let me get on with my morning’s business——” “I shall certainly do so,” said Barrison quietly, as he turned away. “But I must warn you, Mr. Dukane, that I believe you are making a mistake. The detective force will find out what they have to find out. If you have any reason——” “Reason?” “I say, if you have any reason for wanting them not to do so, you would do much better to forestall them, and give them your help frankly to begin with.” “Is that all?” “That is quite all, Mr. Dukane.” “Very well, Barrison. As I say, you will receive your check in due time. Barrison——” The detective turned at the door, and waited for him to go on. Dukane was sitting with his head somewhat bent; after a moment he lifted it, and said, in a gentler tone than he had used before during the interview: