"I quite agree," said Harley. "They were rather Oriental, if I
may say so."
Sir Charles Abingdon started. "Oriental!" he whispered. "Yes, you
are right."
"Does this suggest a train of thought?" prompted Harley.
Sir Charles Abingdon cleared his throat nervously. "It does, Mr.
Harley," he admitted, "but a very confusing train of thought. It
leads me to a point which I must mention, but which concerns a
very well-known man. Before I proceed I should like to make it
clear that I do not believe for a moment that he is responsible
for this unpleasant business."
Harley stared at him curiously. "Nevertheless," he said, "there
must be some data in your possession which suggest to your mind
that he has some connection with it."
"There are, Mr. Harley, and I should be deeply indebted if you
could visit my house this evening, when I could place this
evidence, if evidence it may be called, before you. I find myself
in so delicate a position. If you are free I should welcome your
company at dinner."
Paul Harley seemed to be reflecting.
"Of course, Sir Charles," he said, presently, "your statement is
very interesting and curious, and I shall naturally make a point
of going fully into the matter. But before proceeding further
there are two questions I should like to ask you. The first is
this: What is the name of the 'well-known' man to whom you refer?
And the second: If not he then whom do you suspect of being
behind all this?"
"The one matter is so hopelessly involved in the other," he
finally replied, "that although I came here prepared as I thought
with a full statement of the case, I should welcome a further
opportunity of rearranging the facts before imparting them to
you.
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