“Well, I won’t do it!” said the Viscount flatly. “We’ll have to think of some way to keep Rule off.”
Ten minutes later Captain Heron walked in to find both gentlemen plunged in profound thought, the Viscount propping his chin in his hands, Sir Roland sucking the head of his cane. Captain Heron looked from one to the other, and said: “I came to see what you mean to do next. You’ve heard nothing of Lethbridge, I suppose?”
The Viscount lifted his head. “By God, I have it!” he exclaimed. “You shall draw Rule off!”
“I shall do what?” asked Captain Heron, startled.
“I don’t see how,” objected Sir Roland.
“Lord, Pom, nothing easier! Private affairs to discuss. Rule can’t refuse.”
Captain Heron laid his hat and gloves down on the table. “Pelham, do you mind explaining? Why has Rule to be drawn off?”
“Why, because of—oh, you don’t know, do you? You see, Horry’s had a letter from someone offering to give her back the brooch if she’ll meet him in the temple at the end of the Long Walk at Vauxhall tonight. Looks like Lethbridge to me—must be Lethbridge. Well, I had it all fixed that she and I and Pom here and you should go to Vauxhall, and while she went to the temple we’d stand guard.”
“That seems a good idea,” nodded Captain Heron. “But it’s surely odd of—”
“Of course it’s a good plan! It’s a devilish good plan. But what must that plaguy fellow Rule do but take it into his head to come too! As soon as I heard that I sent Pom off to invite him to a card-party at his house.”