"Mr. Forbes to see you, sir."

Had a powerful spring concealed in the seat of his chair been released
suddenly, Theydon could not have bounced to his feet with greater
speed. Forbes came in. He was pale, but self-contained and clear-eyed.

"Forgive an unceremonious visit," he said. "I'm glad to find you at
home. I meant to arrive here sooner, but I was detained on business of
some importance."

By this time Bates had closed the door; Theydon explained his presence
in the flat by saying that within a few minutes he would have been
telephoning again to Old Broad Street.

"Ah! Did you speak to Macdonald?" said Forbes, dropping into a chair
with a curious lassitude of manner which did not escape Theydon.

"Yes. I have been most anxious to have a word with you--"

Forbes broke in with a short laugh.

"You would get nothing out of Macdonald," he said. "He knows that my
visits to the Chinese Embassy are few and far between and generally
have to do with-- but what is it now? Why should you be so perturbed
when I mention the Chinese Embassy?"

Theydon was literally astounded, and did not strive to hide his
agitation. But he was by no means tongue-tied. Now, most emphatically,
was he determined to have done with pretense. Whether by accident or
design, Forbes had placed himself with his back to the window.