"I don't know what you've been up to, young man," he remarked, "but you'll find the governor in a queer state of mind. For the last hour he's been ringing his bell every five minutes, asking for you."
"I was detained," Arnold answered shortly. "Is he alone now?"
Mr. Jarvis nodded.
"I think that you had better go in at once," he advised. "There he is stamping about inside. I hope you've got some good excuse or there'll be the dickens to pay."
The door of the inner office was suddenly opened. Mr. Weatherley appeared upon the threshold. He recognized Arnold with an expression partly of anger, partly of relief.
"So here you are at last, young man!" he exclaimed. "Where the dickens have you been to all this while? Come in—come in at once! Do you see the time?"
"I am very sorry indeed, sir," Arnold replied. "I can assure you that I have not wasted a moment that I know of."
"Then what in the name of goodness did you find to keep you occupied all this time?" Mr. Weatherley demanded, pushing him through into the office and closing the door behind them. "Did you see Mr. Rosario? Did you give him the message?"
"I had no opportunity, sir," Arnold answered gravely.
"No opportunity? What do you mean? Didn't he come to the Milan? Didn't you see him at all?"