On the platform at Waterloo he had heard him timidly ask a bystander the way to the offices of the Bekwando Land and Gold Exploration Company, Limited.

If ever he got there, what would be the price of Bekwando shares on the morrow?
On the bridge Da Souza saw him accost a policeman, and brushing close by, heard him ask the same question.

The man shook his head, but pointed eastwards.
"I can't say exactly, sir, but somewhere in the City, for certain," he answered.

"I should make for the Bank of England, a penny 'bus along that way will take you--and ask again there." The old man nodded his thanks and stepped along Da Souza felt that his time had come.

He accosted him with an urbane smile.
"Excuse me," he said, "but I think I heard you ask for the offices of the Bekwando Land Company." The old man looked up eagerly.