CHAPTER IX

At the moment that I saw Hayle enter my room, you might, as the saying goes, have knocked me down with a feather.  Of all that could possibly have happened, this was surely the most unexpected!  The man had endeavoured to get me out of his way in London, he had played all sorts of tricks upon me in order to put me off the scent, he had bolted from England because he knew I was searching for him, yet here he was deliberately seeking me out, and of his own free will putting his head into the lion’s mouth.  It was as astounding as it was inexplicable.

“Good morning, Mr. Fairfax,” he said, bowing most politely to me as he spoke.  “I hope you will forgive this early call.  I only discovered your address an hour ago, and as I did not wish to run the risk of losing you I came on at once.”

“You appeared to be fairly desirous of doing so last week,” I said.  “What has occurred to make you change your mind so suddenly?”

“A variety of circumstances have conspired to bring such a result about,” he answered.  “I have been thinking the matter over, and not being able to determine the benefit of this hole-and-corner sort of game, I have made up my mind to settle it once and for all.”

“I am glad you have come to that way of thinking,” I said.  “It will save us both an infinity of trouble.  You understand, of course, that I represent Messrs. Kitwater and Codd.”

“I am well aware of it,” he replied, “and in common fairness to yourself, I can only say that I am sorry to hear it.”

“May I ask why you are sorry?”

“Because you have the honour to represent the biggest pair of scoundrels unhung,” he answered.  “And in saying this, I pledge you my word that I am by no means overstepping the mark.  I have known them both for a great many years and can therefore speak from experience.”

Before going further with him I was desirous of convincing myself upon one point.

“You knew them, then, when they were missionaries in China, I suppose?”

“That’s the first time I have ever heard what they were,” he replied.  “Kitwater a missionary!  You must forgive my laughing, but the idea is too ludicrous.  I’ll admit he’s done a considerable amount of converting, but it has been converting other people’s money into his own pockets.”

He laughed at his own bad joke, and almost instantly grew serious once more.  He was quite at his ease, and, though he must have known that I was familiar with the story, or supposed story of his villainy, seemed in no way ashamed.

“Now, Mr. Fairfax,” he went on, “I know that you are surprised to see me this morning, but I don’t think you will be when we have had a little talk together.  First and foremost you have been told the story of the stones I possess?”

“I have heard Mr. Kitwater’s version of it,” I answered cautiously.  “I know that you robbed my clients of them and then disappeared!”