From his pocket he took a piece of paper, and, folding it, measured the width of the tyre, making a break in the edge of the folded paper. Then he felt the edges of the studs, and began to ask questions regarding the life of the new tyre. "The inventor, who lives at Cologne, was over here three months ago, and claimed for it that it lasted out three tyres of any of the present well-known makes," I replied. "But, as a matter of fact, I must admit that I've never tried it myself." "You've sold some, of course?" "Yes, several sets--and I believe they've given satisfaction." "You are, I take it, the only agent in this country?" "No; Farmer and Payne, in Glasgow, have the agency for Scotland," I replied, greatly wondering why this tyre should attract him if he had no personal interest in cars. A second time he examined the cover, again very closely; then, placing it aside, he thanked me, apologising for taking up my time. "Mind," he said, "not a word to a soul that you have shown me this." "I have promised, Mr. Kirk, to say nothing," I said; "but your injunctions as to secrecy have, I must confess, somewhat aroused my curiosity." "Probably so." And a good-humoured smile overspread his thin, rather melancholy face. "But our acquaintance is not very intimate, is it? I've often been on the point of asking you to run in and have a smoke with me. I'm a trifle lonely, and would be so delighted if you'd spend an hour with me." My natural curiosity to discover more about this man, who was such a mystery, prompted me to express a mutual desire for a chat. So it was arranged that I should look in and see him after dinner that same evening. "I travel a good deal," he explained, in a careless way, "therefore I never like to make engagements far ahead. I always believe in living for to-day and allowing to-morrow to take care of itself." He spoke with refinement, and, though presenting such a shabby exterior, was undoubtedly a gentleman and well bred. He looked around the garage, and I showed him the dozen or so cars which I let out on hire, as well as the number of private cars whose owners place them in my care. But by the manner he examined them I saw that, whatever ignorance he might feign regarding motors, he was no novice. He seemed to know almost as much about ignition, timing, and lubrication as I did. And when I remarked upon it his face only relaxed into a smile that was sphinx-like. "Well, Mr. Holford," he exclaimed at last, "I'm hindering you, no doubt, so I'll clear out. Remember, I'll expect you for a chat at nine this evening." And, buttoning his frayed overcoat, he left, and walked in the direction of Turnham Green. Half an hour later I was called on the telephone to the other side of London, where I had a customer buying a new car, and it was not before six o'clock that I was back again at the garage, where I found my manager, Pelham, who during the morning had been out trying a car on the Ripley road.