"This is Mr. Rushford, isn't it?" he asked.
"Yes; that's my name," and the American looked him over in some surprise.
"My name is Collins," went on the other. "I am secretary to Lord
Vernon."
"Glad to know you, Mr. Collins," and the American held out his hand. "I hope Lord Vernon's getting along all right."
"As well as could be expected, thank you; but there has been a little unforeseen—er—complication—"
"Nothing serious, I hope?"
"Well, yes; to be quite frank, Mr. Rushford, I think it decidedly serious."
"I'm sorry to hear that," said Rushford, with genuine feeling. "We Americans have always taken a special pride in Lord Vernon's career—his mother was an American girl, you know—and his death would be almost a personal loss to us."
"His death?" echoed Collins, staring.
"There's no immediate danger, then? I'm glad of that. Still, if the complication is as serious as you think—"