"
"Oh, he said that, did he!"
"That is the gist of his remarks, sir."
"Did you tell him I was trying to get to sleep?"
"Yes, sir. I understood him to reply that he should worry and get a
pain in the neck."
"Go down again and say that I insist on his stopping the thing. It's an
outrage."
"Very good, sir."
In a few minutes, Webster, like the dove despatched from the Ark, was
back again.
"I fear my mission has been fruitless, sir. Mr. Mortimer appears
adamant on the point at issue."
"You gave him my message?"
"Verbatim, sir. In reply Mr. Mortimer desired me to tell you that, if
you did not like it, you could do the other thing. I quote the exact
words, sir."
"He did, did he?"
"Yes, sir."
"Very good! Webster!"
"Sir?"
"When is the next train to London?"
"I will ascertain, sir. Cook, I believe has a time-table."
"Go and see, then. I want to know. And send Miss Wilhelmina to me."
"Very good, sir."
Somewhat consoled by the thought that he was taking definite action,
Mr.
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