Victor Jones had a sharp instinct for men, well whetted by experience.
He nodded to the newcomer, curtly, and without rising from his chair; the servant shut the door and the two men were alone.
Just as a dog’s whole nature livens at the smell of a pole cat, so did Jones’ nature at the sight of Voles. He felt this man to be an enemy.
Voles came to the table and placed his hat upon it. Then he turned, went to the door and opened it to see if the servant was listening.
He shut the door.
“Well,” said he, “have you got the money for me?”
Another man in Jones’ position might have asked, and with reason. “What money?”
Jones simply said “No.”
This simple answer had a wonderful effect. Voles, about to take a seat, remained standing, clasping the back of the chair he had chosen. Then he burst out.
“You fooled me yesterday, and gave me an appointment for to-day. I called, you were out.”