‘What sort of balls?’ said Jarvis, expressing his surprise by his manner and voice.
‘Oh, any sort—billiard-balls, golf-balls, balls of any kind.’
‘There are plenty of golf-balls. But why do you ask?’
‘I want you to get two or three of the balls,’ said Brodie for answer. ‘Put them into your pocket, ask Chunda to accompany you into the dining-room, and make him sit down in a chair opposite to you. Engage him in conversation for a few minutes; then, suddenly taking the balls from your pocket, tell him to catch them, and pitch them to him. Do you understand me?’
Captain Jarvis stared at the detective as though he could hardly believe the evidence of his ears. Then, as he broke into a laugh, he asked:
‘Do you mean that seriously?’
‘Of course I mean it.’
‘And what’s the object?’
‘Never mind the object. Do what I ask you.’
‘And where will you be?’