“Not that I recall, Mrs. Emerson.” He closed the notebook and tucked it in a pocket of his white coat. “If I may be so bold, I would like to know what you suspect is causing Herr Morgenstern to lose control of his sensibilities. I examined his credentials and found them impressive. His reputation is excellent—or it was until he fled to Cairo. There are rumors afoot that he took something of great value with him. I sent a telegram to Mr. Ridgemont, but I do not know how he can advise me from his manor house in Kent. This should have been a simple task, even though there is a substantial amount of money invested in the endeavor. I have failed miserably.” He took out a handkerchief to blot his eyes, and then vigorously blew his nose. “Please excuse me for this vulgar exhibition of emotional debility. I have been in Mr. Ridgemont’s employment for eleven years, but now I fear for my future. Who will hire me without a letter of recommendation from my previous employer?”

“I do sympathize, Mr. Buddle.” Inwardly, I was delighted to exploit his weakness, which gave me an upper edge. “Let us find a place in the shade to continue our discourse.” I took his arm and led him to the spotty protection of a palm tree, doing my best to ignore his snuffles. A true gentleman may shed a tear, but he does not snuffle. When we were seated, I offered him my flask. “Do try a nip of whiskey. It has a soothing effect at times like this.”

He peered over his shoulder as though he feared that Mr. Ridgemont was lurking in the distant foliage. “As a rule, I do not imbibe beverages of an alcoholic nature, with the exception of an occasional glass of wine at dinner. Thank you, Mrs. Emerson.” He took a substantial swallow from the flask, and then leaned against the tree trunk with a sigh. “When I was a lad, I dreamed of becoming a world-renowned cricket player. I was reared in Gloucestershire and idolized W. G. Grace, the greatest cricketer of the nineteenth century. Sadly, I lacked the requisite physique. Later I became interested in studying law, but I could not afford to attend university. I undertook an apprenticeship as a bookkeeper, and might have made a career of it had my mentor not absconded with the payroll of a manufacturing company. His reputation was destroyed, and mine was tarnished. Now I am nothing but an exalted errand boy who hovers in a corner awaiting instructions from Mr. Ridgemont.” He once again utilized his handkerchief to wipe away his tears while he engaged in another drink of whiskey.