Page:The Surakarta (1913).djvu/126

Rh "I shall lunch here. Do you two care to join me?" Hereford invited.

He led the way to one of the smaller tables, as yet unoccupied because it stood in a secluded corner, and as soon as they were seated McAdams turned to Max.

"It would have been better, Schimmel," the detective exclaimed belligerently, "if we had not taken you to that room—if you are a friend of Mr. Hereford's."

Max started to speak, glanced suddenly at Hereford and halted.

"We're waiting for your explanation," McAdams announced.

"But at bresent—no; I cannot gif you any exblanation," Max replied guardedly.

"Because none is possible," said McAdams, decidedly.

From the direction of his gaze he seemed