ee my mother who was ill," said Mallow quickly.

"I guessed as much. You said something about your mother living in
Exeter when we met last. Well, I had Paddington watch for your return,
and my messenger--"

"Your spy, you mean," said Mallow angrily.

"Certainly, if you prefer the term. Well, your spy--I mean my spy,
reported that you were back, so I came on here. Are you going out?"

"I was, but if you wish to arrest me--"

"Nonsense, man. I have only come to have a quiet chat with you.
Believe me, I wish you well. I have not forgotten the old Eton days."

"I tell you what, Jennings, I won't stand this talk from any man. Are
you here as a gentleman or as a detective?"

"As both, I hope," replied the other dryly, "but are we not wasting
valuable time? If you wish to go out this evening, the sooner we get
to business the better. Will you answer my questions?"

"I must know what they are first," said Cuthbert defiantly.

Jennings looked irritated. "If you won't treat me properly, I may as
well leave the matter alone," he said coldly. "My position is quite
unpleasant enough as it is. I came here to an old schoolfellow as a
friend--"

"To try and implicate him in a crime. Thanks for nothing."

Jennings, whose patience appeared to be exhausted, rose. "Very well,
then, Mallow. I shall go away and hand over the matter to someone
else. I assure you the questions must be answered."

Cuthbert made a sign to the other to be seated, which Jennings seemed
by no means inclined to obey. He stood stiffly by his chair as Mallow
paced the room reflectively. "After all, I don't see why we should
quarrel," said the latter at length.

"That's just what I've been driving at for the last ten minutes."

"Very good," said Mallow soothingly, "let us sit down and smoke. I
have no particular engagement, and if you will have some coffee--"

"I will have both cigarette and coffee if you will help me to unravel
this case," said Jennings, sitting down with a smoother brow.

"But I don't see what I can--"

"You'll see shortly. Will you be open with me?"

"That requires reflection."

"Reflect as long as you like. But if you decline, I will hand the case
over to the next man on the Scotland Yard list. He may not deal with
you so gently."

"I don't care how he deals with me," returned Mallow, haughtily;
"having done no wrong, I am not afraid. And, what is more, Jennings, I
was coming to see you as soon as I re