Jennings, whose patience appeared to be exhausted, rose. "Very well, then, Mallow. I shall go away and hand over the matter to someone else. I assure you the questions must be answered." Cuthbert made a sign to the other to be seated, which Jennings seemed by no means inclined to obey. He stood stiffly by his chair as Mallow paced the room reflectively. "After all, I don't see why we should quarrel," said the latter at length. "That's just what I've been driving at for the last ten minutes." "Very good," said Mallow soothingly, "let us sit down and smoke. I have no particular engagement, and if you will have some coffee--" "I will have both cigarette and coffee if you will help me to unravel this case," said Jennings, sitting down with a smoother brow. "But I don't see what I can--" "You'll see shortly. Will you be open with me?" "That requires reflection." "Reflect as long as you like. But if you decline, I will hand the case over to the next man on the Scotland Yard list. He may not deal with you so gently." "I don't care how he deals with me," returned Mallow, haughtily; "having done no wrong, I am not afraid. And, what is more, Jennings, I was coming to see you as soon as I returned. You have only forestalled our interview." "What did you wish to see me about?" "This case," said Cuthbert, getting out a box of cigarettes and touching the bell. "The deuce!" said Jennings briskly, "then you do know something?" Cuthbert handed him the box and gave an order for coffee. "Any liqueur?" he asked in friendly tones. "No. I never drink when on--ah--er--pleasure," said the other, substituting another word since the servant was in the room. "Well," he asked when the door closed, "why did you wish to see me?" "To ask if you remember a coining case that took place some twenty years ago?" "No. That was before my time. What case is it?" "Some people called Saul were mixed up in it." "Humph! Never heard of them," said Jennings, lighting his cigarette, "but it is strange you should talk of coining. I and several other fellows are looking for a set of coiners now. There are a lot of false coins circulating, and they are marvellously made. If I can only lay my hands on the coiners and their factory, there will be a sensation." "And your reputation will be enhanced." "I hope so," replied the detective, reddening. "I want a rise in my salary, as I wish to marry. By the way, how is Miss Saxon?" "Very well. You met her, did you not?" "Yes! You took me to that queer house. What do they call it? the--'Shrine of the Muses'--where all the sham art exists. Why do you look so grave, old boy?"