Mr Appleton, and was ushered in. My plan had been to walk
straight into the dining-room, and by a sudden appearance wake in the
men that start of recognition which would confirm my theory. But when
I found myself in that neat hall the place mastered me. There were the
golf-clubs and tennis-rackets, the straw hats and caps, the rows of
gloves, the sheaf of walking-sticks, which you will find in ten
thousand British homes. A stack of neatly folded coats and waterproofs
covered the top of an old oak chest; there was a grandfather clock
ticking; and some polished brass warming-pans on the walls, and a
barometer, and a print of Chiltern winning the St Leger. The place was
as orthodox as an Anglican church. When the maid asked me for my name
I gave it automatically, and was shown into the smoking-room, on the
right side of the hall.

That room was even worse. I hadn't time to examine it, but I could see
some framed group photographs above the mantelpiece, and I could have
sworn they were English public school or college. I had only one
glance, for I managed to pull myself together and go after the maid.
But I was too late. She had already entered the dining-room and given
my name to her master, and I had missed the chance of seeing how the
three took it.

When I walked into the room the old man at the head of the table had
risen and turned round to meet me. He was in evening dress--a short
coat and black tie, as was the other, whom I called in my own mind the
plump one. The third, the dark fellow, wore a blue serge suit and a
soft white collar, and the colours of some club or school.

The old man's manner was perfect. 'Mr Hannay?' he said hesitatingly.
'Did you wish to see me? One moment, you fellows, and I'll rejoin you.
We had better go to the smoking-room.'

Though I hadn't an ounce of confidence in me, I forced myself to play
the game. I pulled up a chair and sat down on it.

'I think we have met before,' I said, 'and I guess you know my
business.'

The light in the room was dim, but so far as I could see their faces,
they played the part of mystification very well.

'Maybe, maybe,' said the old man. 'I haven't a very good memory, but
I'm afraid you must tell me your errand, Sir, for I really don't know
it.'

'Well, then,' I said, and all the time I seemed to myself to be talking
pure foolishness--'I have come to tell you that the game's up. I have
a warrant for the arrest of you three gentlemen