"I must know what they are first," said Cuthbert defiantly.
Jennings looked irritated. "If you won't treat me properly, I may as well leave the matter alone," he said coldly. "My position is quite unpleasant enough as it is. I came here to an old schoolfellow as a friend—"
"To try and implicate him in a crime. Thanks for nothing."
Jennings, whose patience appeared to be exhausted, rose. "Very well, then, Mallow. I shall go away and hand over the matter to someone else. I assure you the questions must be answered."
Cuthbert made a sign to the other to be seated, which Jennings seemed by no means inclined to obey. He stood stiffly by his chair as Mallow paced the room reflectively. "After all, I don't see why we should quarrel," said the latter at length.
"That's just what I've been driving at for the last ten minutes."
"Very good," said Mallow soothingly, "let us sit down and smoke. I have no particular engagement, and if you will have some coffee—"
"I will have both cigarette and coffee if you will help me to unravel this case," said Jennings, sitting down with a smoother brow.
"But I don't see what I can—"
"You'll see shortly. Will you be open with me?"