“I soon told him what I wanted.
“‘You knew Peace very well, did you not?’
“‘I knew Mr. Thompson; but before I say any more let me tell you that I have been before the authorities, and expressly cautioned not to say anything to anybody. They have heard my story, and if I am wanted they know where to find me.’
“‘Oh, I didn’t know you were going to be a witness?’
“‘I did not say I was going to be a witness. The Greenwich police have asked me what I know, and I may tell you have warned me against saying any more. I must decline to give any information which may be used——’
“Here the wife interrupted, ‘You have said quite enough; don’t say any more.’
“The husband drew up abruptly. I told him he had quite mistaken my mission.
“I had been informed that he was more in Mr. Thompson’s house than anybody else, that he had frequently had Mr. Thompson at his house; that Mrs. Thompson and Mrs. Ward had also been there, and that I simply wanted to know what kind of people they were, and how they lived, and was not anxious to know anything about the Blackheath business.’
“‘Before I say any more,’ he answered, ‘I must ask you to promise me as a particular favour that you will not mention my name in any way.’
“‘Well,’ I said, ‘your name has been hinted at already. You have been spoken of as Mr. B——, and I expect the Peckham people know very well now who Mr. B—— is.’