But to-day, when he asked me, I told him that that business was off.

I only took him to my room to give him a drink.

He likes brandy, and there's no supply in the shop.' I distrusted Japp wholeheartedly enough, but I was convinced that in this case he spoke the truth.

'Had the man any news ?' I asked.
'He had and he hadn't,' said Japp.

'He was always a sullen beggar, and never spoke much.