om the lamp-shade. He held the stump of a cigar between his
teeth, but, apparently unnoticed by him, it had long since gone out.
Smith, out of the shadows, was watching him, too. Then:

"Your information is very disturbing," said the American. "I am the more
disposed to credit your statement because I am all too painfully aware
of the existence of such a group as you mention, in China, but that they
had an agent here in England is something I had never conjectured. In
seeking out this solitary residence I have unwittingly done much to
assist their designs... But--my dear Mr. Smith, I am very remiss! Of
course you will remain tonight, and I trust for some days to come?"

Smith glanced rapidly across at me, then turned again to our host.

"It seems like forcing our company upon you," he said, "but in your
own interests I think it will be best to do as you are good enough to
suggest. I hope and believe that our arrival here has not been noticed
by the enemy; therefore it will be well if we remain concealed as much
as possible for the present, until we have settled upon some plan."

"Hagar shall go to the station for your baggage," said the American
rapidly, and clapped his hands, his usual signal to the mulatto.

Whilst the latter was receiving his orders I noticed Nayland Smith
watching him closely; and when he had departed:

"How long has that man been in your service?" snapped my friend.

Van Roon peered blindly through his smoked glasses.

"For some years," he replied; "he was with me in India--and in China."

"Where did you engage him?"

"Actually, in St. Kitts."

"H'm," muttered Smith, and automatically he took out and began to fill
his pipe.

"I can offer you no company but my own, gentlemen," continued Van Roon,
"but unless it interferes with your plans, you may find the surrounding
district of interest and worthy of inspection, between now and dinner
time. By the way, I think I can promise you quite a satisfactory meal,
for Hagar is a model chef."

"A walk would be enjoyable," said Smith, "but dangerous."

"Ah! perhaps you are right. Evidently you apprehend some attempt upon
me?"

"At any moment!"

"To one in my crippled condition, an alarming outlook! However, I place
myself unreservedly in your hands. But really, you must not leave this
interesting district before you have made the acquaintance of some of
its historical spots. To me, steeped as I am in what I may term the lore
of the odd, it i