“I saw his advertisement and applied for the place.”
“Where were you staying at the time?”
“At the Arundel Hotel, near the Strand.”
“Ha! And I was only in the next street How did it happen that I did not meet you?”
“I don’t know.”
“If your story is true, which I can hardly believe, what pay has Mr. Cunningham promised to give you?”
“Excuse me, Professor Puffer, but I would rather not tell.”
“As your guardian, I demand an answer.”
“You are not my guardian. Nothing would induce me to place myself again under your charge. You know very well what reasons I have for fearing and distrusting you.”
“I suppose you allude to that little affair on board the Vesta.”