Tanner sat back in his chair and drew at his cigar. The other did not answer for a moment. Then as he slowly refilled his pipe, he said hesitatingly:
‘I hardly like to say. Thirty-eight years is a long time, and a man might change a lot during it. I think I would recognise Edward if I saw him, but I couldn’t be sure.’
‘Then, sir, my second question follows naturally. Will you come up to London and try?’
The other smiled.
‘It’s a long journey for a man of my years,’ he said, ‘but I imagine I have no choice. You Scotland Yard people are so autocratic.’
Tanner smiled in his turn.
‘If you will come at our expense, sir, you will confer a great favour on us. Do you prefer day or night travel?’
‘Day. When would you like me to go?’
‘The sooner the better, sir. Tomorrow, if it would be convenient.’
‘One day is much like another to me. I will go tomorrow, if you like.’