We had a little music, and with that and the commonplaces of conversation, the evening passed until eleven had struck, and the Colonel's yawns warned me that the time had arrived for taking my departure.
The Winters and myself had just risen to leave when we heard a hasty step on the gravel outside, and, turning, we saw a man's figure at one of the French windows opening on to the garden.
"Hullo!" said the Colonel. "Who's that?"
The new-comer stepped into the room, and, as the light fell upon his face, I recognized Forrest. He nodded to me and turned to the Colonel.
"I trust you will excuse this unceremonious call of mine, Colonel Maitland," he said. "But I was desirous of seeing Mr. Sutgrove immediately, and I guessed I should find him here."
"I'll excuse you, if you will come to the smoking-room and drink Mr. Sutgrove's health in a whisky-and-seltzer," replied the Colonel, heartily.
"I don't think I can spare the time," said the detective, quietly.
"Nonsense, man! You must drink the health of my future son-in-law!" he declared.
"Most certainly," remarked Forrest. "I can find time for that, even though——" He paused, and then said, with quiet incisiveness, "Even though the Motor Pirate is upon the road again!"