"And failed. I am not surprised. It was the truth, and the truth is always far-fetched. I have, I am afraid, the Chinese faculty for talking in riddles and as to the inner meaning of those two sentences I prefer not to explain it, for the best part of your life will come when you find out the meaning for yourself—if you do."
"That is putting rather too great a strain on my curiosity, don't you think?"
"Perhaps. But I'm going to offer you the key to the puzzle and you can make the best of it as you choose."
Herrick fingered the lip of his teacup for a minute or two while Nasmith wondered if he had been summoned all this distance merely to hear more of such cryptic nonsense.
"Do you think my wits are wandering?" Herrick asked with disconcerting suddenness.
"I am not sure of it," replied his guest, willing to be as provokingly frank. The older man laughed.
"I have been ill," he said, "but my wits are still here. I have wit enough to recognize an honest man; that is why I have asked you to come."
"Thank you; the compliment is enjoyed, even if it isn't deserved."
"How much patience would you have, to keep talking in this vein?"
"Not much more," Nasmith confessed.