The benign expression went away like a fist when you open your fingers.
‘Oh, yes, sir. He stayed a few days with Mr. Marshland.’
‘I haven’t seen him. I’ve spoken to him on the ‘phone, and I’ve heard a lot about him, but there appears to be no photograph of him. What does he look like?’
I had an idea there was disapproval in the blue eyes now, but I wasn’t sure.
‘He is a well-built gentleman; dark, tall, athletic, with very good features. I don’t think I can describe him any better than that, sir.’
‘Did you like him?’
The bent old back stiffened.
‘Did you say you would like some periodicals, sir? You may find the wait a little tedious.’
I had my answer. Obviously for some reason or other this old man had as much use for Dedrick as I had for a punch on the jaw.
‘That’s all right. It makes a change to sit and do nothing.’