"No," replied Armitage quickly. "You wished to see me. I came in answer to that advertisement."
The lawyer came nearer, and his scrutiny became keener.
"Oh, yes—I see. May I ask in what way this advertisement interests you?"
"Only that I'm John Armitage—that's all."
Mr. Willoughby started, and, taking out his handkerchief nervously, wiped his face. As much as any lawyer allows himself to show emotion, he betrayed surprise. He came still closer and, peering into his visitor's face, said:
"You? You are John Armitage?"
He looked at his visitor's dress, noticed his clumsy thick-soled boots, soiled jacket and trousers, and he shook his head incredulously.
"The world's full of impostors," he muttered to himself, "but we lawyers are too much for them." Aloud he repeated: "You are John Armitage?"
"Yes—I am John Armitage, formerly of Alnwick Tower, Bucks, England."
Hurrying back to his desk, the old lawyer opened a drawer and took from it a faded photograph. Holding it so that Armitage could not see it, he stood comparing the portrait with the living man before him.