"Extraordinary!" concurred Mr. Immelbern, and trod viciously on Uppingdon's toe under the table.
"That was a marvellous trip we had on the Bremen — I mean to Biarritz — wasn't it?" said the Colonel, wincing.
Simon Templar smiled.
"We had some good parties, didn't we?"
"By Gad! And the casino!"
"The Heliopolis!"
"The races!" said the Colonel, seizing his cue almost too smartly, and moving his feet quickly out of range of Mr. Immelbern's heavy heel.
Mr. Immelbern gave an elaborate start. He pulled a watch from his waistcoat pocket and looked at it accusingly.
"By the way, Sir George," he interrupted with a faintly conspiratorial air. "I don't want to put you out at all, but it's getting a bit late."
"Late?" repeated the Colonel, frowning at him.