"To try and implicate him in a crime. Thanks for nothing."

Jennings, whose patience appeared to be exhausted, rose.
"Very well, then, Mallow. I shall go away and hand over the
matter to someone else. I assure you the questions must be
answered."

Cuthbert made a sign to the other to be seated, which Jennings
seemed by no means inclined to obey. He stood stiffly by his
chair as Mallow paced the room reflectively. "After all, I
don't see why we should quarrel," said the latter at length.

"That's just what I've been driving at for the last ten
minutes."

"Very good," said Mallow soothingly, "let us sit down and
smoke. I have no particular engagement, and if you will have
some coffee--"

"I will have both cigarette and coffee if you will help me to
unravel this case," said Jennings, sitting down with a
smoother brow.

"But I don't see what I can--"

"You'll see shortly. Will you be open with me?"

"That requires reflection."

"Reflect as long as you like. But if you decline, I will hand