and stick, I suddenly heard Blenkiron's whisper in my ear. 'London
... the day after tomorrow,' he said. Then he took a formal farewell.
'Mr Brand, it's been an honour for me, as an American citizen, to
make your acquaintance, sir. I will consider myself fortunate if we
have an early reunion. I am stopping at Claridge's Ho-tel, and I
hope to be privileged to receive you there.'


CHAPTER THREE
The Reflections of a Cured Dyspeptic


Thirty-five hours later I found myself in my rooms in Westminster.
I thought there might be a message for me there, for I didn't
propose to go and call openly on Blenkiron at Claridge's till I had
his instructions. But there was no message - only a line from Peter,
saying he had hopes of being sent to Switzerland. That made me
realize that he must be pretty badly broken up.

Presently the telephone bell rang. It was Blenkiron who spoke.
'Go down and have a talk with your brokers about the War Loan.
Arrive there about twelve o'clock and don't go upstairs till you
have met a friend. You'd better have a quick luncheon at your club,
and then come to Traill's bookshop in the Haymarket at two. You
can get back to Biggleswick by the 5.16.'

I did as I was bid, and twenty minutes later, having travelled by
Underground, for I couldn't raise a taxi, I approached the block of
chambers in Leadenhall Street where dwelt the respected firm who
managed my investments. It was still a few minutes before noon,