"Did you expect me to be?"
"There was always the chance. But I didn't really expect it. Not with our combined intelligences."
"Thanks."
"Did the old boy fall on your neck?"
"No. He nearly fell over. He's being very correct."
"Everything to be verified."
"Yes."
"How did he receive you?"
"He took me for Simon."
He heard Loding's amused laughter.