We took a taxi to Kensington. Every moment seemed to be bursting with importance for Quarles now.
The first person I caught sight of at the Blue Lion was Winbush, evidently waiting for some one. He recognized us, and Quarles went to him.
"You are waiting for Mr. Lanning."
The man hesitated.
"I know," Quarles went on, "because I have just left your master. He is in trouble."
"In trouble!"
"Oh, we shall get him out of it all right. There is some mistake. I have a message for you. Come inside."
We found a corner to ourselves, and the professor, having ordered drinks, showed Winbush the note which Lanning had written to Mademoiselle Duplaix. It was not addressed to her, and was so worded that it might be meant for any one. Winbush read it and looked at Quarles.
"While your master is in Silesia I have certain work to do here, and to do it I must have your complete story," said the professor. "You appreciate the fact that Mr. Laiming looks upon you as a friend and wishes you to tell me all you know."
"I do, sir, only I don't see how my story is going to help him."