"Oh, certainly, certainly," said Mr. Alford, after a moment. "This
is all right; and I am bound to do nothing to obstruct you in the
performance of your duty." He now carefully closed the door and
added, "What do you want this man for?"
"It's a case of murder."
"Phew! Apparently he is one of the best men on the force."
"Only apparently; I know him well."
Mr. Alford's brow clouded with anxiety, and after a moment he
said, "Mr.--how shall I address you?"
"You had better continue to call me by the name under which I was
introduced--Brown."
"Well, Mr. Brown, you have a very difficult and hazardous task,
and you must be careful how you involve me in your actions. I
shall not lay a straw in your way, but I cannot openly help you.
It is difficult for me to get labor here at best; and it is
understood that I ask no questions and deal with men on the basis
simply of their relations to me. As long as I act on this
understanding, I can keep public sentiment with me and enforce
some degree of discipline. If it were known that I was aiding or
abetting you in the enterprise you have in hand, my life would not
be worth a rush.
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