As a preliminary the landlord handed Basil a card, with "Mr. Philpott," printed on it, and in a corner, "Private Inquiry," to which was added the address of the house in which they were sitting.
"Do you carry on your business here, then?" inquired Basil. "Partly, sir," replied Mr. Philpott. "I am engaged at an office in Surrey Street, but it is seldom that my time is fully occupied there, and as I am not on full pay I stipulate that I shall be free to undertake any little bit of business that may fall into my hands in a private way."
"That may suit me," said Basil. "To be frank with you, I was looking out for some one who would do what I want at a reasonable rate; I am not overburdened with funds, but I can afford to pay moderate fees. Will that meet your views?"
"Yes, sir. If you will tell me what you want done I will let you know about how much it will cost."
Basil paused before he commenced; he was dealing with a stranger, and he did not wish to disclose his name.
"What passes between us is in confidence, Mr. Philpott?"
"Altogether in confidence, sir. That is one of the rules of our profession. Whether anything comes of it or not, I shall say nothing of my client to a third party, unless you instruct me otherwise."
"You are sometimes consulted by people who desire to conceal their names?"
"Oh, yes, but they are not generally so frank as you are. You would rather not tell me your name?"
"That is my desire, if it will make no difference."