“I well remember, Mr. Wynn, that he was terribly angry, but little did I then think that its cause originated in fear.”
“After the appointment had been made, and we had entered upon our duties, Mr. Sykes ascertained—in short he overheard a conversation between the two in which certain threats were made towards me, and in that conversation McLiver and Donald upbraided each other about their peculation. We had thus sufficient evidence to warrant us in concluding that they had robbed you. Having discovered this, we then planned the investigation, which has occupied our evenings ever since. It was late on Saturday night when we arrived at the final result. The rest you know.”
“Yes, yes, Cadwgan, I know the rest. In the presence of my dear and valued friend Jones, I offer you my humblest apology for having suspected you of dishonesty; I shall never be able to repay you for the services you have rendered me.”
“I’m repaid already by your confidence and esteem.”
“And hereafter, Mr. Wynn, I will seek to do so in a more substantial way. But tell me, what can you possibly know about the quality of tea? You remarked just now it was inferior; how did you ascertain this?”
“I know the quality of teas by the smell.” [178]
“By the smell!”
“Is that really so?”
“Yes, sir.”