"Yes—" Her hands knotted the gloves into all manner of shapes. "By that time I had decided on a burglar story, you see."
The telephone bell rang, and Parker went to the instrument. A voice came thinly over the wire:
"Is that 110 Piccadilly? This is Charing Cross Hospital. A man was brought in tonight who says he is Lord Peter Wimsey. He was shot in the shoulder, and struck his head in falling. He has only just recovered consciousness. He was brought in at 9:15. No, he will probably do very well now. Yes, come round by all means."
"Peter has been shot," said Parker. "Will you come round with me to Charing Cross Hospital? They say he is in no danger; still—"
"Oh, quick!" cried Lady Mary.
Gathering up Mr. Bunter as they hurried through the hall, detective and self-accused rushed hurriedly out into Pall Mall, and, picking up a belated taxi at Hyde Park Corner, drove madly away through the deserted streets.
CHAPTER IX
Goyles
"—and the moral of that is—" said the Duchess.
ALICE'S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND