"Captain Rathbone is with his regiment at Coblenz, sir."

"Coblenz?"

"Yes, sir. I do not expect his return until near midsummer, sir.
Who is this talking?"

"Have you opened a cable from Yokohama?"

"This is Mr. Hawksley!" The voice became excited.

"Oh, sir! You will come right away. I alone understand, sir. You
will remember me when you see me. I'm the captain's butler, sir
- Jenkins. He cabled back to give you the entire run of the house
as long as you desired it. He advised me to notify you that he had
also prepared his banker against your arrival. Have your luggage
sent here at once, sir. Dinner will be at your convenience."

Hawksley's body relaxed. A lump came into his throat. Here was a
friend, anyhow, ready to serve him though he was thousands of miles
away.

When he could trust himself to speak he said: "Sorry. It will be
impossible to accept the hospitality at present. I shall call in
a few days, however, to establish my identity. Thank you. Good
evening."

"Just a moment, sir. I may have an important cable to transmit to
you. It would be wise to leave me your address, sir."