The greeting sprang from their lips simultaneously, and after he had tossed his hat and cane to his valet Travers Gladwin continued:
“Didn’t expect to see me so soon, did you, old scout?”
“I should say I didn’t. Why, when I got that telegram of yours to call up Thomas Smith at the Ritz it certainly was some jar to my delicate nervous system.”
Travers Gladwin laughed and rubbed his hands.
“Did it, though?” he cried. “Gave you a real thrill, eh?”
“Exact and specific––a real thrill.”
“Well, you’re lucky––a surprise and a thrill. I’d give anything for a real surprise––I’ve hunted this little planet’s four corners for one and failed to connect.”
“If you can’t achieve ’em you seem to be in the business of manufacturing ’em. Come along now, what’s all this thundering mystery. I’m shot to pieces with curiosity. What’s happened to make you come home like this?”
“Watkins!” replied Travers Gladwin curtly.
“Watkins! What Watkins? Who’s Watkins?”