as he helped himself to coffee. “You must give me some more of those tablets of

yours.”

 

It struck me that he was anxious to convey the impression that our conference

was a medical one. I played up accordingly.

 

“I thought as much. I brought some up with me.”

 

“Good man. Hand them over now.”

 

“They’re in my bag in the hall. I’ll get them.”

 

Ackroyd arrested me.

 

“Don’t you trouble. Parker will get them. Bring in the doctor’s bag, will you,

Parker?”

 

“Very good, sir.”

 

Parker withdrew. As I was about to speak, Ackroyd threw up his hand.

 

“Not yet. Wait. Don’t you see I’m in such a state of nerves that I can hardly

contain myself?”

 

I saw that plainly enough. And I was very uneasy. All sorts of forebodings