17

SWEETWATER IN A NEW ROLE

A few days later three men were closeted in the district attorney's office. Two
of them were officials-the district attorney himself, and our old friend,
the inspector. The third was the detective, Sweetwater, chosen by them to keep
watch on Mr. Grey.

Sweetwater had just come to town,-this was evident from the gripsack he
had set down in a corner on entering, also from a certain tousled appearance
which bespoke hasty rising and but few facilities for proper attention to his
person. These details counted little, however, in the astonishment created by
his manner. For a hardy chap he looked strangely nervous and indisposed, so
much so that, after the first short greeting, the inspector asked him what was
up, and if he had had another Fairbrother-house experience.