“As if I didn't know it!” softly exclaimed the colonel.
And then, as he resumed his comfortable, but not very dignified position, he heard some one coming boldly along the hall, and the voice of Jack asked:
“Are you in here, Colonel?”
“Yes, come in. Did you get a reply?”
“Surely. Your friend must have been waiting for your telegram.”
“I expected he would be. Let me see it,” and the detective read a brief message which said:
“Thomas much better after a long sleep.”
“Ah,” mused the colonel. “I'm very glad Thomas is better.”
“Is Thomas, by any chance, a cat?” asked Jack, who read the telegram the colonel handed him.
“He is—just that—a cat and nothing more. And now, Jack, my friend, I think we're about ready to close in.”