MISS LENEVEU 'S MESSAGE


The two men stepped back into the hotel. The cashier had returned
to his desk, and the incident which had just transpired seemed to
have passed unnoticed. Nevertheless, Laverick felt that the studied
indifference of his companion's manner had its significance, and he
endeavored to imitate it.

"Shall we go through into the bar?" he asked. "There's very seldom
any one there at this time."

"Anywhere you say, Bellamy answered. "It's years since we had a
drink together."

They passed into the inner room and, finding it empty, drew two
chairs into the further corner. Bellamy summoned the waiter.

"Two whiskies and sodas quick, Tim," he ordered. "Now, Laverick,
listen to me," he added, as the waiter turned away. "We are alone
for the moment but it won't be for long. You know very well that
it wasn't to renew our schoolboy acquaintance that I've asked you
to come in here with me."

Laverick drew a little breath.

"Please go on," he said. "I am as anxious as you can be to grasp
this affair properly."