The clerk's face was a study.

"If he presents himself here, sir," he announced stiffly, "I shall
take the liberty of sending for the police."

Laverick made no reply.




CHAPTER XXVIII

LAVERICK'S NARROW ESCAPE


At precisely a quarter past four, nothing having happened in the
meantime but a steady rush of business, Laverick ordered a taxicab
to be summoned. He then unlocked his safe, placed the pocket-book
securely in his breast pocket, walked through the office, and
directed the man to drive to Chancery Lane. Here at the headquarters
of the Safe Deposit Company he engaged a compartment, and down in
the strong-room locked up the pocket-book. There was only now the
document left. Stepping once more into the street, he found that
his taxicab had vanished. He looked up and down in vain. The man
had not been paid and there seemed to be no reason for his
departure. A policeman who was standing by touched his hat and
addressed him.

"Were you looking for that taxi you stepped out of a few minutes ago,
sir?" he asked.