CHAPTER XIII — MR. WRANDALL PERJURES HIMSELF
Smith arrived at eleven, somewhat after the fashion of the Hawkshaws of "yellow back" fame, who, if our memory serves us right, were so punctual that their appearance anywhere was described as being in the "nick o' time," only in this instance he was expected and did not "drop from the sky," as the saying goes.
Mr. Wrandall met him at the station and escorted him in a roundabout way to Southlook, carefully avoiding the main village thoroughfare and High street, where the fashionable colony was intrenched. Mr. Smith, being an experienced detective, was not surprised to find (after the introduction), that Mr. Wrandall's attorney had been a fellow-passenger from town. If he was impressed, he did not once betray the fact during the four mile spin to Sara's. On the contrary, he seemed to be entirely absorbed in the scenery.
Mr. Wrandall had said, without shaking hands: "We will repair at once to Mrs. Challis Wrandall's house, Mr. Smith. She is expecting you. I have informed her of your mission."
"I think we'd better discuss the matter between ourselves, Mr. Wrandall, before putting it up to—"
"There is nothing in connection with this unhappy affair, sir, that cannot be discussed first-hand with her," said his employer stiffly.
"Just as you like, sir," said Smith indifferently. "I have talked it over with old man Carroll. He understands."
"I am quite sure he does, Mr. Smith," said the other, with emphasis. Mr. Smith successfully hid a smile.
He took his seat beside the chauffeur.
"I am surprised," he observed to the driver, as a "feeler," "that you haven't changed bodies."