After another long interval Smith appeared again, to announce that Mr. White had called.
“Did you not say I was out?” said Claude, his hollow tones and haggard air startling his faithful servitor considerably.
“Yes, sir—oh yes, sir. But that’s no use with Mr. White. ’E said as ’ow ’e were sure you were in.”
“Ask him to oblige me by coming again—to-morrow. I am very ill. I really cannot see him.”
Smith left the room only to return and say: “Mr. White says, sir, ’is business is of the hutmost himportance. ’E can’t leave it; and ’e says you will be very sorry afterwards if you don’t see ’im now.”
“Oh, so be it,” cried Bruce, turning to a spirit-stand to seek sustenance in a stiff glass of brandy. “Send him in.”
Quite awed by circumstances, Smith admitted the detective and closed the door upon the two men, who stood looking at each other without a word of greeting or explanation.