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"'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which

we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I

have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all

laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from

eavesdroppers?'

"'Entirely.'

"'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that

fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found

in one or two places in England?'

"'I have heard so.'