It was with a sense of immense relief that I pushed
open the gate and found myself behind the high iron palings. A butler in
sombre black opened the door, almost before my hand had left the bell. I
was myself again immediately. My vague fears melted away. I handed in my
card, and explained that I had an appointment with Lord Polloch. In less
than five minutes I was ushered into his presence.
"I am very glad to see you, Mr. Courage," he said. "I understand that
you have some information which you wish to give me. I have exactly
twenty-five minutes to give you. Take that easy-chair and go ahead...."
In less than three-quarters of an hour, I was back in the club. I
found my cousin almost alone in the smoking-room. He looked up with
ill-suppressed eagerness as I entered.
"Well?"
I lit a cigarette and threw myself into an easy-chair.
"Quiet afternoon here?" I remarked.
"You saw Lord Polloch?"
I nodded.
"I was with him exactly twenty-five minutes," I answered.
"Well?" he repeated.
I called a waiter and ordered something to drink.
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