I could hear Mr. Royce's inarticulate exclamation of disgust and anger.
"But of course that's all moonshine," I added.
"Moonshine! I should say so! Now, Lester, I want you to stay there till you get this thing straightened out, if only for Curtiss's sake. I know you can prove that any such theory as that is all bosh."
"I'll try to," I answered him, and hung up the receiver; but I confess that I was not at all sure of my ability to accomplish the task.
As I left the booth, the clerk came toward me.
"There's a gentleman inquiring for you, Mr. Lester," he said. "He was here about noon asking for you, but wouldn't have you disturbed. He's over here in the parlour, waiting for you."
I followed him to the door of the parlour.
"This is Mr. Lester," he said to a white-haired old man who was pacing nervously up and down, and left us alone together.
For a moment I did not recognise him, then as he came forward into the clearer light, I found myself looking down into the face of Dr. Schuyler.
"My dear Mr. Lester," he said, advancing with outstretched hand, "I hope you will pardon this intrusion."