It was an acquaintanceship of some time ago ?" began the suave, seemingly careless voice.
"A considerable time ago," answered Aylmore.
"How long--roughly speaking ?" "I should say from twenty to twenty-two or three years." "Never saw him during that time until you met accidentally in the way you have described to us ?" "Never." "Ever heard from him ?" "No." "Ever heard of him ?" "No." "But when you met, you knew each other at once ?" "Well--almost at once." "Almost at once.

Then, I take it, you were very well known to each other twenty or twenty-two years ago ?" "We were--yes, well known to each other." "Close friends ?" "I said we were acquaintances." "Acquaintances.

What was his name when you knew him at that time ?" "His name?
It was--Marbury." "Marbury--the same name.

Where did you know him ?" "I--oh, here in London." "What was he ?" "Do you mean--what was his occupation ?" "What was his occupation ?" "I believe he was concerned in financial matters." "Concerned in financial matters.

Had you dealings with him ?" "Well, yes--on occasions." "What was his business address in London ?" "I can't remember that." "What was his private address ?" "That I never knew." "Where did you transact your business with him ?" "Well, we met, now and then." "Where?
What place, office, resort ?" "I can't remember particular places.