“Towards Clarence Gate,” I replied almost mechanically, for his sudden appearance there had startled me.
“Good!” he cried; “then I’ll go in the opposite direction. Be silent, Holford, and rely upon me. Whatever you may discover, do not betray any surprise. In this affair you will probably meet with a good deal that will surprise you—as it has already surprised me.”
“Where’s Antonio?” I demanded.
“Gone.”
“Abroad?”
“I—well, how can I tell? He’s left here. That’s all I know,” replied this mysterious man very lamely.
I sniffed in suspicion.
“Do, I beg of you, tell me more of this affair, Mr Kirk,” I urged, speaking quickly. “If you are really my friend, if you really wish me to assist you, why not instruct me how to act? If you will tell me the truth, I will keep a still tongue.”
“You will be more silent if you remain in ignorance,” was his response. “Listen! I must get away,” and before I could prevent him he had closed the door quietly behind him. I noticed that he was attired in clothes quite different from his usual habit. Indeed, he was smartly dressed, wearing a black overcoat with a velvet collar, and well-ironed silk hat.
“Stay and face Langton,” I urged. “Take him into your confidence. Surely no good can be served by this elusiveness.”