I can imagine no reason why you should be afraid to see him." "Afraid! Who says I am afraid to see him ?" "I can think of no other explanation of your reluctance--" "Please, sir, Mr Headland to see you," announced Raffles.
Captain Oliphant changed colour as he turned to greet the visitor.
"You'll pardon the early call," said the latter, "but they gave me such a shocking supper at the inn, that I resolved to try my luck up here for breakfast.

Captain Oliphant, I presume ?--friend of my friend Armstrong.
Pleased to know you, sir.

Pity you weren't with us last night to see the decline and fall of your ingenious friend, R.Ratman.

Your colleague, sir, put that young man to bed in a way that would have made you enjoy yourself.

Seems to me, captain, you are well rid of him." "I fail to understand all this," said the captain.