Carless.
"Telephone message from Methley and Woodlesford, sir," he announced. "Mr.
Methley's compliments, and if agreeable to you, he can bring his client
on to see you this afternoon--at once, if convenient."
Mr. Carless looked at Mr. Pawle, and Mr. Pawle nodded a silent assent.
"Tell Mr. Methley it's quite agreeable and convenient," answered Mr.
Carless. "I shall be glad to see them both--at once. Um!" he muttered
when the clerk had withdrawn. "Somewhat sudden, eh, Pawle? You might
almost call it suspicious alacrity. Evidently the gentleman has no fear
of meeting us!"
"You may be quite certain, Carless, if my theory about the whole thing is
a sound theory, that the gentleman will have no fear of meeting anybody,
not even a judge and jury!" answered Mr. Pawle sardonically. "If I
apprehend things rightly, he'll have been very carefully coached and
prepared."
"You think there's a secret conspiracy behind all this?" suggested Mr.
Carless. "With this claimant as cat's-paw--well tutored to his task?"
"I do!" affirmed Mr. Pawle. "Emphatically, I do!"
"Aye, well!" said Mr. Carless. "Don't forget what I told you about the
missing finger--middle finger of the right hand.
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