But
was he aware that Charles Malet was Gaston Max? And did he know where
I lived? Also--did he perchance think that my meeting with Dr. Stuart
in Limehouse had been prearranged? Clearly he had seen Dr. Stuart
enter my cab, for he had pursued us to Battersea.
This course of reflection presently led me to a plan. It was a
dangerous plan, but I doubted if I should ever find myself in greater
danger than I was already. _Nom d'un nom!_ I had not forgotten the
poor Jean Sach!
That night, well knowing that I carried my life in my hands, I drove
again to Limehouse Town Hall, and again leaving my cab outside went
into the bar where I had preciously me "Le Balafre." If I had doubted
that my movements were watched I must now have had such doubts
dispelled; for two minutes later the man with the scar came in and
greeted me affably!
I had learned something else. He did not know that I had recognized
him as the person who had tracked me to Dr. Stuart's house!
He invited me to drink with him, and I did so. As we raised our
glasses I made a move. Looking all about me suspiciously:
"Am I right in supposing that you have business in this part of
London?" I asked.
"Yes," he replied "My affairs bring me here sometimes."
"You are well acquainted with the neighbourhood?"
"Fairly well. But actually of course I am a stranger to London."
I tapped him confidentially upon the breast.
"Take my advice, as a friend," I said, "and visit these parts as
rarely as possible.
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