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 for the lady’s sake, you will take the matter sensibly. You know why I want you.’

“‘Who are you?’ says the old gent.

“‘O’Day,’ says I, ‘of the Columbia Detective Agency. And now, sir, let me give you a piece of good advice. You go back and take your medicine like a man. Hand ’em back the boodle; and maybe they’ll let you off light. Go back easy, and I’ll put in a word for you. I’ll give you five minutes to decide.’ I pulled out my watch and waited.

“Then the young lady chipped in. She was one of the genuine high-steppers. You could tell by the way her clothes fit and the style she had that Fifth Avenue was made for her.

“‘Come inside,’ she says. ‘Don’t stand in the door and disturb the whole street with that suit of clothes. Now, what is it you want?’

“‘Three minutes gone,’ I said. ‘I’ll tell you again while the other two tick off.

“‘You’ll admit being the president of the Republic, won’t you?’

“‘I am,’ says he.

“‘Well, then,’ says I, ‘it ought to be plain to you.