"
"Probably. No doubt the _cupiditas habendi_, the mere desire to possess,
is the motive force rather than any intelligent purpose--"
The discussion was at this point interrupted by a knock at the door, and
a moment later my colleague admitted two gentlemen. One of these I
recognized as a Mr. Marchmont, a solicitor, for whom we had occasionally
acted; the other was a stranger--a typical Hebrew of the blonde
type--good-looking, faultlessly dressed, carrying a bandbox, and
obviously in a state of the most extreme agitation.
"Good-morning to you, gentlemen," said Mr. Marchmont, shaking hands
cordially. "I have brought a client of mine to see you, and when I tell
you that his name is Solomon Loewe, it will be unnecessary for me to say
what our business is."
"Oddly enough," replied Thorndyke, "we were, at the very moment when you
knocked, discussing the bearings of his case."
"It is a horrible affair!" burst in Mr. Loewe. "I am distracted! I am
ruined! I am in despair!"
He banged the bandbox down on the table, and flinging himself into a
chair, buried his face in his hands.
"Come, come," remonstrated Marchmont, "we must be brave, we must be
composed.
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