"Yes, to wait here till to-morrow, or the next day, or the next. In point of fact, to wait till I have had a few minutes' chat with Mr. Agnold." "I am Mr. Agnold," I said, angrily. "I knew that all along," he said, with irritating politeness. "What is it you want with me? Will you detain me long?" "Not very long; it will depend upon yourself. I come on behalf of Dr. Peterssen." My anger instantly subsided; I became as cool as my visitor. "Enter," I said, "and let us get it over. Who is Dr. Peterssen, and what has he got to do with me, or I with him?" These last words were spoken when my visitor and I were standing face to face in my sitting-room. "Oh, I am not here to answer questions," said my visitor. "I have a commission to execute, and a question or two myself to ask on behalf of Dr. Peterssen." "Which I shall answer or not, as I please." "Of course it is entirely within your discretion; I cannot force you; I am merely an instrument." "I must know with whom I am conversing," I said, "before we proceed further." He handed me a card, on which was printed, "Mr. Nettlefold, The Elms, Ealing." "I never heard of you," I said, putting the card on the table. "I can't help that," he responded. "Perhaps it will expedite matters if I inform you that I do not come from Dr. Peterssen direct. Before presenting myself to you I paid a visit to Mr. Bob Tucker." I was confounded. Was the cunning scheme suggested by Bob, and to carry out which I had enlisted Sophy's services, to be nipped in the bud? "Mr. Tucker," continued Mr. Nettlefold, "refused all explanations, and referred me to you, who, it seems, are the prime mover in this affair." "In what affair?" "As you are aware, Dr. Peterssen resides at Tylney House, Sheldon. He desires this fact to be widely known, having no motives for secrecy. Mr. Bob Tucker has been prowling about this neighborhood lately, making inquiries concerning Dr. Peterssen, and prying into his private affairs in a manner to which Dr. Peterssen does not propose to submit." "A nice mess Bob has made of it," I thought. "What a fool I was to trust to him!" "I beg your pardon," said Mr. Nettlefold, "did you speak?" "I did not." "I thought I saw your lips move. To continue. Mr. Bob Tucker could not have been aware that while he was thus clumsily playing Paul Pry, he was himself being watched, and that all the information given to him of Dr. Peterssen's affairs was false. When Mr. Tucker left Sheldon he was followed and his address in London discovered. He paid you a visit last night, and your address was discovered. I am commissioned by Dr. Peterssen to inquire your motive for your proceedings?" "I shall answer no questions. Finish your commission, and go."