That confounded property again!
My four years' training on the stage stood me in good stead now, and I masked my surprise with a laugh as I exclaimed:
"Oh, that Bock! I did not know it was you who were contemplating a purchase. But why should that keep you away from Gramberg? Were you afraid that a look at the property would put you out of conceit with the bargain, or that I should charge you more, thinking you were growing eager?"
But there was more in this than a laugh could carry off.
"No, but he has been in communication with your old family lawyer, and together they say or think they are on the track of some kind of strange complication which I believe in some way touches yourself; how I do not know, but Bock advised me to wait."
"This has a somewhat serious sound, sir," I said, sternly enough to cover my apprehension.
"I cannot help that. You asked me, pressed me, indeed, for an answer to your question. In times like these you will understand I feel great need to be cautious—overcautious perhaps you may deem it. But still here it is."
"And what is the nature of this supposed ridiculous complication?"
"You must excuse me if I say no more. You know Herr Bock's address here in Munich."
The scent was getting warm.