VII
Challis was getting into his motor as I walked up the drive. I hurried forward to catch him before the machine was started. He saw me coming and paused on the doorstep.
“Did you want to see me?” he asked, as I came up.
“Mr. Challis?” I asked.
“Yes,” he said.
“I won’t keep you now,” I said, “but perhaps you could let me know some time when I could see you.”
“Oh, yes,” he said, with the air of a man who is constantly subjected to annoyance by strangers. “But perhaps you wouldn’t mind telling me what it is you wish to see me about? I might be able to settle it now, at once.”
“I am staying at the Wood Farm,” I began. “I am interested in a very remarkable child——”
“Ah! take my advice, leave him alone,” interrupted Challis quickly.
I suppose I looked my amazement, for Challis laughed. “Oh, well,” he said, “of course you won’t take such spontaneous advice as that. I’m in no hurry. Come in.” He took off his heavy overcoat and threw it into the tonneau. “Come round again in an hour,” he said to the chauffeur.