“Mr Judd,” Smith said, “do you know anybody who can speak French?”
“I speak French, sir,” Judd said without a change of expression.
“You are a man of constant surprises, Mr Judd. How on earth did you learn French?”
“In my last position, sir,” Judd said, “I was an agent for a company that imported wine from France and Spain. I learned both French and Spanish.”
“What a treasure you are, Mr Judd. Are you willing to do something else for me? It’s quite simple, but I don’t want anybody to recognise you.”
“Nobody will, sir,” Judd said. “Nobody ever notices a clerk. We are invisible.” His smile was part self-deprecating and part rueful. “What do you wish me to do, sir?”
“I want you to find a companion and deliver a package to Mr Bancroft’s house,” Smith said. “You will see a man standing in
