Despard gave a little whistle.
"And the Commission?" he objected.
"I've had very special luck there," explained Aylmer. "Sir Arthur went down with influenza yesterday morning. So the Commission, instead of meeting this week as proposed, adjourns till the end of November."
He leaned down, gave a searching glance into the bag, and closed it.
"That will do, Sillery," he said to the servant. "I'll call if I want you."
As the man went out Despard dropped down upon the sofa. He sat and looked across at his companion with a glance which blended inquiry and concern.
"I've heard only rumors, so far," he remarked.
Aylmer made a little gesture towards the bookcase, which was still broken but empty.
"I came back unexpectedly last night. I had been discussing a point with the general at dinner and ran across to find a book to prove my contention. I found Landon here, ransacking the bookcase. One volume is gone. He took me unawares and knocked me out. I didn't come to for several hours."
Despard made an inarticulate exclamation of anger.