He hurried back to Edinburgh, and was in time to be present at Maggie’s burial in the Greyfriars Churchyard, but he saw nothing of Chunda; the native was not there, and nobody had seen him. Captain Jarvis was amongst the mourners, and when the funeral was over he and Brodie left together.
‘Do you know how long Chunda has been in Balfour’s service?’ the detective asked, as they strolled along.
‘I believe a considerable time, but I don’t know from absolute knowledge. As I have already told you, Balfour was a curious sort of fellow, and particularly close in regard to his own affairs. He was one of those sort of men it is difficult to get to the bottom of. You may try to probe them as much as you like, but nothing comes of it.’
‘You possibly were as familiar with him as anyone,’ suggested Brodie.
‘Yes, I should say I was.’
‘And if he had wanted a confidant, he would probably have chosen you?’
‘I think it is very likely he would. So far as such a man would make a confidant of anyone, he made one of me.’
‘Do you know why he brought Chunda from India with him?’
‘No. What I do know is this: Chunda had been with him for some time, and when Balfour returned to Scotland, he thought he was only going to make a temporary stay here.’
‘Was he fond of Chunda?’