That sentence recalled me to the business in hand. Without appearing to notice his look, I recurred to my questions.
“How came you to know that Mr. Clavering was in this city last summer? Did you learn that, too, at the Hoffman House?”
“No; I ascertained that in quite another way. In short, I have had a communication from London in regard to the matter.
“From London?”
“Yes; I’ve a friend there in my own line of business, who sometimes assists me with a bit of information, when requested.”
“But how? You have not had time to write to London, and receive an answer since the murder.”
“It is not necessary to write. It is enough for me to telegraph him the name of a person, for him to understand that I want to know everything he can gather in a reasonable length of time about that person.”
“And you sent the name of Mr. Clavering to him?”
“Yes, in cipher.”
“And have received a reply?”