sitting room open purposely. No matter what the outcome, he no longer
dared keep the compact of silence into which he had entered with
Forbes. But the millionaire was not at his office. In response to a
very determined request for a word with some one in authority, "on a
matter of real urgency," the clerk who had answered the call brought
"Mr. Forbes's secretary," a Mr. Macdonald, to the telephone.

"It is important, vitally important, that I should speak with Mr.
Forbes within the next few minutes," said Theydon, after giving his
name and address. "Do you expect him to arrive soon? Or shall I try
and reach him at Fortescue Square?"

"Mr. Forbes will not be here till midday," came a voice with a
pronounced Scottish intonation. "I'm doubtful, too, if ye'll catch him
at home. Can I give him a message?"

"Do you know where he is?"

"Well, I cannot say."

"But do you know?"

"I'll be glad to give him a message."

"It will be too late, then. Please understand, Mr. Macdonald, that I
am making this call at Mr. Forbes's express wish. It is, as I have
said, vitally important that I should get in touch with him without
delay."

Scottish caution was not to be overcome by an appeal of that sort.