‘Johnson?’
‘Yes. Samuel Johnson. It’s a quotation.’
‘Oh. Oh, I see.’ Tad looked faintly abashed.
‘If you’re still doubtful about me, Tad Cullen, you had better come along the Embankment with me now and let some of my colleagues vouch for me.’
Mr Cullen’s fair skin went a deep red. ‘I’m sorry. Just for a moment there I—. It did sound as if you had known Bill. You’ll have to forgive me being suspicious, Mr Grant. I’m all at sea, you know. I don’t know a soul in this country. I just have to take people as they come. On face value, I mean. Of course I’m not doubtful about you. I’m too grateful to you to be able to find words to describe how grateful I am. You have to believe that.’
‘Of course I believe it. I was only teasing you, and I had no right to. It would be unintelligent of you not to be suspicious. Here is my address and telephone number. I’ll telephone you as soon as I’ve seen Lloyd.’
‘You don’t think I should come with you, perhaps?’
‘No. I think a deputation of two would be a little excessive for so slight an occasion. What time will you be at the Westmorland tonight to take a phone call?’
‘Mr Grant, I’ll be sitting with my hand on that thing until you call.’
‘Better eat some time. I’ll call you at half-past eight.’