He shook his head. "No, we have never met, but——" He paused and then added: "But of course it must be right."
I could have shouted for joy, but I put my hand before my eyes that he should not see the delight in them.
"You will wish to see Herr Lassen alone, of course," said the doctor. "You will bear in mind all that I have told you, I trust."
Hoffnung crossed to the door with him and the two stood speaking together in low tones for a minute, giving me an opportunity to observe my visitor. He was rather a good-looking man of about thirty, well-dressed and smart, and I placed him as somebody's secretary. Certainly a decent sort and not too quick-witted.
"First let me congratulate you on your marvellous escape, Herr Lassen," he said when the doctor had gone.
"It seems to have been touch and go; but——" and I gestured to suggest that I knew nothing about it.
"The doctor tells me he quite despaired at one time of saving your life. But he says you are quite fit to travel. Do you agree with that?"
"It's all the same to me. I feel all right."
"It is rather urgent that I should return to Berlin as soon as possible. Do you think you could manage the journey to-day?"
"I don't see why not. But—er—it's a bit awkward, you know. Are you sure I'm your man?"