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The Sorceress of the Strand
by L.T. Meade and Robert Eustace
I.
Madame Sara
EVERYONE in trade and a good many who are not have heard of Werner's Agency, the Solvency Inquiry Agency for all British trade. Its business is to know the financial condition of all wholesale and retail firms, from Rothschild's to the smallest sweetstuff shop in Whitechapel. I do not say that every firm figures on its books, but by methods of secret inquiry it can discover the status of any firm or individual. It is the great safeguard to British trade and prevents much fraudulent dealing
Of this agency I, Dixon Druce, was appointed manager in 1890. Since then I have met queer people and seen strange sights, for men do curious things for money in this world.
It so happened that in June, 1899, my business took me to Madeira on an inquiry of some importance. I left the island on the 14th of the month by the Norham Castle for Southampton. I embarked after dinner. It was a lovely night, and the strains of the band in the public gardens of Funchal came floating across the star-powdered bay through the warm, balmy air. Then the engine bells rang to "Full speed ahead", and, flinging a farewell to the fairest island on earth, I turned to the smoking-room in order to light my cheroot.
"Do you want a match, sir?"
The voice came from a slender, young-looking man who stood near the taffrail. Before I could reply he had struck one and held it out to me.
"Excuse me," he said, as he tossed it overboard, "but surely I am addressing Mr. Dixon Druce?"
"You are, sir," I said, glancing keenly back at him, "but you have the advantage of me."
"Don"