"In that case, if I were you, I should try to find John as quickly as possible." "Yes, my dear sir, that is exactly what should be done, and my detective is now endeavouring to discover the identity of John. He will possibly succeed in a few days. But there is another way of finding out who John is, and perhaps in that you can help me." "What other way?" "There is one man who undoubtedly knows who John is, and that is Mr. Brenton. Now, I thought that perhaps you, who know Brenton better than I do, would not mind asking him who John is." "My dear sir," said Speed, "Brenton is no particular friend of mine, and I only know him well enough to feel that if there is any cross-examination to be done, I should prefer somebody else to do it." "Why, you are not afraid of him, are you?" asked the detective. "Afraid of him? Certainly not, but I tell you that Brenton is just a little touchy and apt to take offence. I have found him so on several occasions. Now, as you have practically taken charge of this case, why don't you go and see him?" "I suppose I shall have to do that," said the Frenchman, "if you will not undertake it." "No, I will not." "You have no objection, have you, to going with me?" "It is better for you to see Brenton alone. I do not think he would care to be cross-examined before witnesses, you know." "Ah, then, good-bye; I shall find out from Mr. Brenton who John is." "I am sure I wish you luck," replied Speed, as Lecocq took his departure. Lecocq found Brenton and Ferris together. The cynical spirit seemed to have been rather sceptical about the accounts given him of the influence that Speed and Brenton, combined, had had upon the Chicago newspaper man. Yet he was interested in the case, and although he still maintained that no practical good would result, even if a channel of communication could be opened between the two states of existence, he had listened with his customary respect to what Brenton had to say. "Ah," said Brenton, when he saw the Frenchman, "have you any news for me?"