"You are very gifted. Nothing wrong with your tongue, though, is there?"
"Nothing whatever."
"Behold then the messenger awaiting the message."
"Very good. I'm through. Absolutely, completely, entirely. If you must be a busybody say that. I'm through."
But that was not Jones' idea of the game and he out with it. "I'll do nothing of the kind."
"Won't you?" Lennox retorted. He had remained seated. But rising then, he looked at the keeper, motioned at Jones.
"If that man asks for me again, say I'm out."
Jones laughed. "Wow-wow, old cock! I wish I could have said that but I probably shall. Meanwhile book this: Dinner to-morrow, Athenæum at eight. By-bye. Remember Cervantes. Don't forget Verlaine. Sweet dreams."
Lennox sat down, looked at the key, tried to turn it. That door too was barred.