At six o'clock the appointed meeting took place, and from Chancery Lane the pair walked to a quiet house of refreshment in the vicinity of Lincoln's Inn Fields.

On the way they exchanged a few insignificant remarks, having reference to a former intimacy and a period during which they had not come across each other.

Established in a semi-private room, with a modest stimulant to aid conversation, they became more at ease; Mr.Scawthorne allowed himself a discreet smile, and Joseph, fingering his glass, broached the matter at issue with a cautious question.
'Do you know anything of a man called Snowdon ?' 'What Snowdon ?' 'Joseph James Snowdon--a friend of mine.

Your people advertised for him about three years ago.

Perhaps you haven't been at the office as long as that ?' 'Oh yes.