"The death of Captain Ermsted was no less so," put in the Colonel abruptly. "Have you any theories on that subject also?"
Burton smiled, showing his teeth. "I always have theories," he said.
Sir Reginald made a slight movement of impatience. "I think this is beside the point," he said. "Captain Ermsted's murderer will probably be traced one day."
"Probably, sir," agreed Major Burton, "since I hear unofficially that Captain Monck has the matter in hand. Ah!"
He broke off short as, with a brief knock at the door, Monck himself made an abrupt appearance.
He came forward as if he saw no one in the room but the Colonel. His face wore a curiously stony look, but his eyes burned with a fierce intensity. He spoke without apology or preliminary of any sort.
"I have just had a message, sir, from Bhulwana," he said. "I wish to apply for immediate leave."
The Colonel looked at him in surprise. "A message, Captain Monck?"
"From my wife," Monck said, and drew a hard breath between his teeth. His hands were clenched hard at his sides. "I've got to go!" he said. "I've got to go!"
There was a moment's silence. Then: "May I see the message?" said the Colonel.