had even laid it down and glanced at the clock, with the intention
of starting out, when a thought struck him. He took it up and read
it though again. Then he turned to the telephone.

"Put me on to the office of Henshaw & Allen. I want to speak to Mr.
Henshaw particularly."

Two minutes passed. Laverick, meanwhile, had been washing his hands
ready to go out. Then the telephone bell rang. He took up the
receiver.

"Hullo! Is that Henshaw?"

"I'm Henshaw," was the answer. "That's Laverick, isn't it? How
are you, old fellow?"

"I'm all right," Laverick replied. "What is it that you want to
see me about?"

"Nothing particular that I know of. Who told you that I wanted to?"

Laverick, who had been standing with the instrument in his hand, sat
down in his chair.

"Look here," he said, "Didn't you send me a note a few minutes ago,
asking me to come out to lunch at a quarter to one and meet you at
Lyons'?"

Henshaw's laugh was sufficient response.