"I know your attitude towards questions, sir," I said, "but I feel bound
to ask you one concerning this episode. What on earth did you expect to
gain by bringing us in touch with it?"
Our host sipped his wine thoughtfully.
"I do not welcome questions," he admitted, "but bearing in mind the fact
that this affair has been without any features of interest for you, I
will reply. I knew perfectly well that Duncombe would make some attempt
upon the life of Arthur Dompers. You were there to watch for it. You
succeeded. Your report would have released the boy from Duncombe's
control. Events, however, marched too quickly."
"On whose behalf, then, were we acting," Leonard asked, "you and all of
us? Were we philanthropists or detectives?"
Our host shrugged his shoulders and helped himself to a cigar.
"That," he replied, "will be Conundrum Number Five."