I knew this man Small had a certain degree of low cunning, but I did not think him capable of anything in the nature of delicate finesse.

That is usually a product of higher education.

I then reflected that since he had certainly been in London some time--as we had evidence that he maintained a continual watch over Pondicherry Lodge--he could hardly leave at a moment's notice, but would need some little time, if it were only a day, to arrange his affairs.

That was the balance of probability, at any rate." "It seems to me to be a little weak," said I.

"It is more probable that he had arranged his affairs before ever he set out upon his expedition." "No, I hardly think so.