Was yet another attempt to be made upon me, as Shuttleworth had so mysteriously predicted?
I was determined to show a bold front and defy my enemies; therefore, when I had crossed Pall Mall against St. James’s Palace, I suddenly faced about, and, meeting the stranger full tilt, addressed him before he could escape.
Next moment, alas! I knew that I had acted injudiciously.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
THE MAN IN THE STREET
I had asked the Frenchman, rather angrily I fear, why he was following me, whereat he merely bowed with the exquisite politeness of his race, and replied in good English—
“I was not aware of following m’sieur. I regret extremely if I have caused annoyance. I ask a thousand pardons.”
“Well, your surveillance upon me annoys me,” I declared abruptly. “I saw you spying upon me in Manchester this afternoon, and you have followed me to London!”