smoker." He lighted a cigarette, turned to Mr.
Torrington and nodded over his shoulder in the direction of Cranbourne.
"I'm afraid, sir, this gentleman took me at a disadvantage. To be
frank, I was hungry."

Mr. Torrington shook his head despondently.

"As the senior member of a firm of dyspeptics, established for over
fifty years, I envy you."

"You needn't, sir,--it was pretty crucial. He offered me fifty quid to
occupy this flat for twenty-one days and to say 'no' to any question
that might be asked. I wasn't myself at the time--I accepted. Since
then I've had a good meal and that alters things. I hope, gentleman, I
shall cause you no inconvenience if I recall my promise." No one
replied and he went on. "My grub cost three and a bender and I spent a
bob in cigarettes." He fished some notes and silver from his pocket
and planked them on the table. "That's your change, gentlemen, if
someone would be good enough to count it over. You don't mind, I hope,
if I return the margin when I'm in a better position to do so.
Goodnight, gentlemen." He rose, nodded to the company and walked to
the door.

Mr. Torrington did not look in his direction. He spoke gently as
though addressing an electric fitting on the wall facing him.

"I am sorry, Mr. Tidd, you are indisposed to remain. My friend had no
thought of offending when he offered the temporary accommodation you
have just returned. It was our intention to reward the services of
whoever assisted us in this matter with a sum that a gentleman might
have no embarrassment in accepting. We should have been pleased to
place five thousand pounds to your account."

Richard span round sharply.

"Five thousand--for being a caretaker--you--you're joking--rather
unkindly."

"On the contrary I am speaking very earnestly indeed." The tone of
voice was sincere.

Again Richard looked from one to another.

"You're a funny crowd," he laughed. "Ha! damn funny. S'pose you're
getting some sort of satisfaction out of it, but a man with a hole in
the sole of his boot doesn't much fancy having his leg pulled.
Goodnight."

But Nugent Cassis intervened between Richard and the door.

"We give you our word, Mr. Tidd, the sum mentioned will be at your
disposal tomorrow three weeks if you agree to remain."

"Your words," said Richard with a touch of irony. "I suppose you
wouldn't care to give me your names as a guarantee?"

"Assuredly," Mr. Torrington replied. "It was