Fielding to me?"
"Certainly," Spencer answered. "He was tall and thin, wears glasses, was
clean-shaven, bald, and limped a little."
Lord Runton nodded.
"Thank you," he said. "I presume that your visit this morning was one of
courtesy. You are acquainted with Mr. Fielding?"
"I have not that pleasure," Spencer answered. "I am afraid I must
confess that my visit was purely one of curiosity."
"Curiosity!" Lord Runton repeated.
"Exactly. Do you mind passing those excellent cigarettes of yours,
Duncombe?"
Lord Runton hesitated for a moment. He was conscious of a certain
restraint in Spencer's answers. Suddenly he turned towards him.
"Mr. Spencer," he said, "may I ask if you are Mr. Jarvis Spencer, of the
'Daily Messenger'--the Mr. Spencer who was mentioned in connection with
the investigations into the Lawson estates?"
Spencer nodded.
"Yes," he said, "I am that person."
"Then," Lord Runton continued, "I want to tell you exactly what has
happened to-day in my house, and to ask your advice. May I?"
"If our host has no objection," Spencer answered, glancing towards
Pelham.
"None whatever," Duncombe answered, also glancing towards Pelham.
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