“I only ask because Alexis is such a peculiar name for an Englishman.”

“It is merely a name given to me by Monsieur Alresca when I entered his service several years ago. My name is John Smedley.”

“Well, Mr. Smedley,” I said, putting half a sovereign into his hand, “I perceive that you are a man of intelligence.”

“Hope so, sir.”

“I am a doctor, and to-morrow, as I dare say you heard, I am coming to live here with your master in order to attend him medically.”

“Yes, sir.”

“He says he is suffering from some mysterious complaint, Smedley.”