Jiro entered.
It was fortunate that the gravity of his errand, no less than his power of
self-control, kept Brett from laughing. As it was, he smiled very broadly
when he greeted the master of the flat, for the little man was small even
for a Japanese.
The contrast between him and his helpmate was ludicrous. He could not
possibly kiss her unless she stooped, nor would his arms encircle her
shoulders.
"And how is my pretty _karasu_?" he asked, regarding his wife fondly.
"Don't call me that, Nummie!" she cried.
Turning to Brett she explained: "He calls me a crow, and says it is a
compliment, but I don't like it."
"In Japan the clow speaks with the voice of love," grinned Jiro.
"Well, it sounds funny in London, so just attend to this gentleman. He has
come to see you on business."
Mrs. Jiro forthwith seated herself to listen to the conclave. Brett,
though warned by the maid's remark, could not help himself, so he went
straight to the point.
"Over a year ago," he said, "you were in Ipswich."
Instantly a severe chill fell upon his hearers. The man shrank, the woman
expanded, but before either could utter a word, the barrister continued:
"Personally, I know no one in Ipswich. I have only visited the town twice,
during an Assize week. It has come to my knowledge that you gave the
police some information with reference to a Japanese weapon which figured
in a noted crime, and I have ventured to come here to ask you for
additional details.
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