"But, unless I am careful, I may find myself in a false position. I may not be the required James Southam. In fact, I don't mind telling you that I don't believe I am. I am acquainted with no Duncan Rothwell. His whole letter is double Dutch to me. There may be dozens of James Southams about."
"Recent inhabitants of Dulborough? I thought Dulborough was a mere hamlet."
"So it is."
"How long did you live there?"
"I was born and bred in the place."
"Have you any relatives of your own name?"
"I have not a relative in the world."
"If, as you say, you were born and bred in such a place as Dulborough, I presume that you had some knowledge of the inhabitants?'
"I believe I knew something of every creature in all the country side."
"And did you know anything of another James Southam?"