warlike operations, and found me a somewhat preoccupied listener. He
wants my help, such as it is, and I have no doubt the present call is
a preliminary to another meeting tomorrow."

"Why not go to him? We'll wait. We can do nothing more tonight after
leaving here."

"Speaking candidly, I am not in a mood to discuss such visionary
projects. I shall be glad if Mr. Forbes has gone to bed when I do ring
him up."

Winter shook his head.

"Excuse me, Mr. Theydon, but I am older than you, and may 'venture on
advice,'" he said. "A writer who has his way to make in the world
cannot afford to slight a man of Mr. Forbes's standing. Go to him at
once. It will please him. Don't hurry."

Theydon realized that a continued refusal would certainly set
Furneaux's wits at work, and he dreaded the outcome. He went without
another word. When the outer door had closed behind him Winter turned
to Furneaux.

"Well?" he said.

For answer Furneaux waved a hand and tiptoed into the hall. Waiting
until he heard the door of No. 18 slam he opened the latch of No. 17
so cautiously that no sound was forthcoming. Soon he had an ear to
Theydon's letter box and was following attentively a one-sided
conversation.