On the first floor we were
encountered by the Landlord, hurrying down, in a highly irritated state,
to see what was the matter.
"Who the devil are you? and what do you want here?" he asked.
"Keep your temper," said the Sergeant, quietly. "I'll tell you who I am
to begin with. I am Sergeant Cuff."
The illustrious name instantly produced its effect. The angry landlord
threw open the door of a sitting-room, and asked the Sergeant's pardon.
"I am annoyed and out of sorts, sir--that's the truth," he said.
"Something unpleasant has happened in the house this morning. A man in
my way of business has a deal to upset his temper, Sergeant Cuff."
"Not a doubt of it," said the Sergeant. "I'll come at once, if you will
allow me, to what brings us here. This gentleman and I want to trouble
you with a few inquiries, on a matter of some interest to both of us."
"Relating to what, sir?" asked the landlord.
"Relating to a dark man, dressed like a sailor, who slept here last
night."
"Good God! that's the man who is upsetting the whole house at this
moment!" exclaimed the landlord. "Do you, or does this gentleman know
anything about him?"
"We can't be certain till we see him," answered the Sergeant.
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