He had lost sight of him for--oh, quite twenty years.

He had met him accidentally in one of the vestibules of the House of Commons on the evening preceding the murder.

Marbury had asked his advice.

Having no particular duty, and willing to do an old acquaintance a good turn, he had gone back to the Anglo-Orient Hotel with Marbury, had remained awhile with him in his room, examining his Australian diamonds, and had afterwards gone out with him.

He had given him the advice he wanted; they had strolled across Waterloo Bridge; shortly afterwards they had parted.