"So be it. I will bring the cheque."

"But I must be able to cash it at once."

"So you can. It will be on a London bank. I'll get the cash myself
if you like."

Then they shook hands and went in opposite directions.



CHAPTER XIII


On the evening of the next day, just after he had lit his lamp,
Hilliard's attention was drawn by a sound as of someone tapping at
the window. He stood to listen, and the sound was repeated--an
unmistakable tap of fingers on the glass. In a moment he was out in
the street, where he discovered Patty Ringrose.

"Why didn't you come to see me?" she asked excitedly.

"I was afraid _she_ might be there. Did she go to business, as
usual?"

"Yes. At least I suppose so. She only got home at the usual time.
I've left her there: I was bound to see you. Do you know what she
told me last night when she came in?"

"I dare say I could guess."