long. Shall we wait?"

Mr. Torrington continued playing his patience game until Cranbourne was
announced. And if you are interested to know what manner of man
Cranbourne might be then turn to the description of the diner at the
table near the door in the Berkeley Cafe. As to his associations with
these other gentlemen it remains only to be said that he was a supplier
of ideas and occasionally of ideals.

"Anybody know anything?" said Lord Almont.

Cassis shrugged his shoulders negatively.

Mr. Torrington put down a card.

"Waste of time," he said. "Waste of time. Barraclough will never get
out of London by ordinary ways. It was a useless attempt."

"Well, we don't know."

"He hadn't got through at ten thirty last night," said Cranbourne. "He
was dining at the Berkeley Grill. 'Course he might have had a shot
later."

"Did you speak to him?"

"No--just nodded. Billings tells me he was shot at when he tried to
make the tug on the river."

"The boat was shot at, you mean," said Cassis.

"Anyone rung him up this morning?" asked Mr. Torrington.

"No, it was arranged we shouldn't."

"Then he's sure to be here soon."

The remark was prophetic for as the words were spoken Barraclough was
announced.

"No good," he said.

"You look tired, Barraclough," observed Mr. Torrington, who thought
about men as well as money.

"Am a bit."

"Did you try to make Hendon?"

"Did I try? Yes, I tried and travelled a Wild West shooting man on the
lid of the cab who worked a hold up by The Welsh Harp. Far as I can
see there must be hundreds out to prevent me." His mouth hardened.
"But I'm going to do it. I mean to do it somehow."

Mr. Torrington smiled sweetly.

"Ardent young man," he said.

Cassis put his finger tips together and remarked:

"Recklessness is a luxury we can't afford."

"I'm prepared to take chances," said Barraclough.

Mr. Torrington quoted:

"'On the sand drift, on the veldt side, in the fern scrub we lay.
That our song might follow after by the bones on the way.'"

"That's all very well," said Cassis sourly, "but our sons won't be able
to follow after so long as Barraclough obstinately determines to keep
the secret entirely to himself."

"Pooh! pooh! pooh!" said Mr. Torrington. "That was understood."

"It was," said Barraclough and swivelled round to face Cassis. "I've
said frankly that until I get the concession no one but myself will be
told the map reference. That's