“Were you?” says Fisher.
“Do you know him?” I ask.
“No,” says Fisher.
A pause. The campaign has opened badly; no doubt of that. I must try another move.
“You will wonder how I knew him,” I say, pleasant.
Fisher only breathes more heavily.
“Our mutual friend, Smith,” I begin, watching closely to see if his mind responds to this name. I know that Smith is common in England, and think he will surely know some one so called. “Smith mentioned you.”
But no, there is no gleam of recognition.
“Indeed,” is all he remarks, very calmly.
There is no help for it, I must go on.