hours, never later, however, than four or five o'clock. From that
time until seven, he was generally to be found in the American
bar, meeting old friends or making new ones.

On the sixth day of his stay at the Savoy Hotel the waiter who
looked after the bar smoking room accosted him as he entered at
his usual time, a little after half past four.

"There's a gentleman here, Mr. Coulson, been asking after you,"
he announced. "I told him that you generally came in about this
time. You'll find him sitting over there."

Mr. Coulson glanced in the direction indicated. It was Mr. Jacks
who awaited him in the cushioned easy chair. For a single moment,
perhaps, his lips tightened and the light of battle flashed in
his face. Then he crossed the room apparently himself again,--an
undistinguished, perfectly natural figure.

"It's Mr. Jacks, isn't it?" he asked, holding out his hand. "I
thought I recognized you."

The Inspector rose to his feet.

"I am sorry to trouble you again, Mr. Coulson," he said, "but if
you could spare me just a minute or two, I should be very much
obliged."

Mr. Coulson laughed pleasantly.

"You can have all you want of me from now till midnight," he