Presently Coulter returned with the young English clerk of the office.
"It seems that Mr Rivière called here yesterday afternoon and enquired for Mr Matheson," explained Coulter.
Lars Larssen turned to the young clerk with a questioning look. "It was the first time I had ever seen him, sir," said the clerk. "He came in and asked quite naturally for Mr Matheson. There was an astonishing likeness between them, but that was explained at once when he told me they were half-brothers."
"An astonishing likeness?"
"When I say a likeness, sir, I mean of course in a general way. Mr Rivière is younger and different in many ways."
"Describe him."
The clerk did so to the best of his ability.
"Did he leave an address?"
"No, sir."
"Or a message?"