"I'm just waiting for some money to come from the bank," he said with exaggerated carelessness. "I'm leaving town to-night for a week or two, but I shall keep my rooms on. I'll pay for them in advance."
He swallowed his tea and smoked a cigarette. He could not eat. Ruby had had plenty of time to draw the money and reach his rooms! Perhaps the bookmaker was away, or refused to settle until Monday.
He heard Big Ben chime the hour—twelve o'clock. He lit another cigarette and stood on the balcony outside the window waiting.
At last he saw a taxi-cab draw up outside his front door and Ruby Strode alight. He ran down the staircase to meet her.
"Is it all right, have you got it?" he cried. His only thought was the money now. The money that meant salvation.
She did not reply, but brushed past him upstairs and he followed her. He heard her breath coming in quick, hard gasps, and following her into the sitting-room he locked the door.
"Tell me, is it all right, have you got it?"
Rupert stretched out his hands imploringly.
CHAPTER IV.
RADIUM.