“I went to see 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 returned.  You have only forestalled our interview.”

“What did you wish to see me about?”

“This case,” said Cuthbert, getting out a box of cigarettes and touching the bell.  “The deuce!” said Jennings briskly, “then you do know something?”

Cuthbert handed him the box and gave an order for coffee.  “Any liqueur?” he asked in friendly tones.