He did not believe that Mr Candy had recommenced his investigations without consultation with him, but this person evidently knew that such an investigation had been set on foot, and that would be sufficient for his purposes.

Lawrence decided to be very wary, and he said to the man, "Did you ask for me here by name ?" "No, _sir_," said the other, "I had information that you were here, and that you were the only gentleman who lived here and although you are in your own home, I did not know but this was one of those cases in which names were dropped and servants changed, to suit an emergency.

I asked the little darkey I saw at the front of the house if she lived here, and she told me she had only just come.

That put me on my guard, and so I merely asked if the gentleman was in, and she went and got you.

We're very careful about calling names, and you needn't be afraid that any of our people will ever give you away on that line." Lawrence reflected for a moment, and then he said: "What are your terms and arrangements for carrying on an affair of this kind ?" "They are very simple and moderate," said the man, taking a wallet from his pocket.