“I have their cards and their addresses; that is what I wish to see you about. If you are my friend, you will call on them to-morrow and arrange a meeting.” The detective had no words; he simply arose from the chair with his mouth open. “Arrange a meeting!” he stammered. “Arrange a meeting,” said Talham. “They used language to me which I will not permit any man to use. Moreover, what they said was in the presence of my future wife.” “But she refused you!” “My future wife,” repeated Talham in such a tone of decision as left no room for argument. “But what do you mean by a meeting? You don’t for one moment imagine that these people will fight a duel?” “That remains to be seen,” said the other. “I think that Hyde Park in the early hours of the morning would be an admirable rendezvous. You may leave to them the choice of weapons. I know very little about these fancy small swords which duellists favour, but if they will be kind enough to choose cavalry swords, I should be glad. I will fight them with Chinese knives, or, of course, with rapiers, if they prefer those weapons. I have no doubt that I shall make myself proficient in a few hours. As honourable men, they will not, of course, desire to take me at a disadvantage.” He discussed the punctilio of duelling at some length. There was no use in arguing with him. They spent the evening together, Tillizinni examining the documents which had been removed from the Chinese Embassy, and Talham assisting him. “You understand, of course,” the detective explained, “that if I come upon any information which is likely to be of service to you in your search for your tomb----” “Not my tomb,” corrected Talham. “Well, the Emperor’s tomb,” said the other. “I cannot allow you to see it.” “You will find nothing,” said Talham with confidence. “Every scrap referring to the Tomb of the First Emperor was in the stolen docket.” It was nearly half-past ten when his servant brought Tillizinni a card. The detective read it and passed it to the other. It was inscribed: Raymond de Costa & Gregory de Costa. The two exchanged glances. “Show them up!” said Tillizinni. Talham’s face brightened up. “I wonder----” he began, but did not finish his sentence. It might have been that he imagined that the visit would symbolise an act of self-abnegation of which young De Costa was incapable. All his doubts were disposed of a few minutes later when the sulky young man, looking stouter and more unpleasant than ever, came into the room and introduced his father. De Costa bowed ceremoniously to both men. “This is my father,” said young De Costa. Something made Tillizinni look at Talham. He had the faintest of smiles upon his lips, as at some amusing recollection. “You know my father, I think,” said young De Costa. “I haven’t that pleasure,” replied Talham. The older man favoured him with a malicious little grin.