There's nothing that so impresses a rural population as a detective.

They look upon him as omnipotent and omniscient, and every man squirms before him in the fear that his own little sins will be brought to light." Terry laughed in prospect.
"Introduce me as a detective by all means!" "Anything you like," I laughed in return.

"I'll introduce you as the Pope if you think it will do any good." There was no keeping Terry suppressed, and his exuberance was contagious.

I was beginning to feel light-hearted myself.
The hotel at Luray was a long rambling structure which had been casually added to from time to time.

It was painted a sickly, mustard yellow (a color which, the landlord assured me, would last forever) but it's brilliancy was somewhat toned by a thick coating of dust.