At the moment that I saw Hayle enter my room, you might, as the saying goes, have knocked me down with a feather.

Of all that could possibly have happened, this was surely the most unexpected! The man had endeavoured to get me out of his way in London, he had played all sorts of tricks upon me in order to put me off the scent, he had bolted from England because he knew I was searching for him, yet here he was deliberately seeking me out, and of his own free will putting his head into the lion's mouth.

It was as astounding as it was inexplicable.
"Good morning, Mr.Fairfax," he said, bowing most politely to me as he spoke.

"I hope you will forgive this early call.

I only discovered your address an hour ago, and as I did not wish to run the risk of losing you I came on at once." "You appeared to be fairly desirous of doing so last week," I said.
"What has occurred to make you change your mind so suddenly ?" "A variety of circumstances have conspired to bring such a result about," he answered.