“Certainly; I am quite at your service.”
“Ah, that’s well, because it’s a matter which will require some little time. I don’t like to jump at conclusions, doctor; I like to take matters in regular order. You understand?”
“At present I do not understand the nature of your business, but I dare say I shall do so in the due course of time.”
“There is not the least doubt of that,” remarked Shearman, sending out several blue wreaths of smoke from his Havanna.
“That is well,” observed Bourne.
“You know, or at least you can imagine, that every man has his own way of going about business. I have mine, and if you please I will begin at the beginning. The tale I have to tell you is a little singular, and I think there is an air of romance about it, considering all the circumstances of the case; but I deem it but fair and just that you should be put in full possession of all the particulars. It may be better for you.”
“For me?”
“Well, for me, for you, for everybody. That’s my view of the matter. I may be mistaken, but I think I am not.”
“It is not for me to dictate, Mr. Shearman, or even to suggest; I am here to listen.”
“Hadn’t you better light up?” said the detective, offering his cigar-case to the other.