Ah, that touches you, does it?
Now, my worthy financier and philanthropist, step down from your pedestal and behave like a being of flesh and blood!" Forbes positively wilted under that extraordinary attack.

His white face grew wan, and his eyes dilated with surprise and terror.

The detective's words seemed to have the effect of a paralytic shock.

Thenceforth he was under dog in the fight.
"How do you know," he gasped, "that I received an ivory skull this morning?
Have you been to my house?
Did my daughter tell you ?" Furneaux chuckled.
"You're ready to listen, eh?
Well, I don't mind telling you that I have not stirred out of this flat since seven o'clock this morning, and I question if your letters were delivered in Fortescue Square at that hour." "I give in," said Forbes curtly.

"Need we remain here?
The smell of that cursed joss stick oppresses me." Then Theydon found his tongue.
"If Mr.Furneaux cares to abandon his vigil, my flat is entirely at your disposal," he said.
"My vigil, as you accurately describe it, has ended for the time being," said Furneaux, apparently mollified by the millionaire's surrender.