“That bird was pretty near wise.”
“Only for a minute,” replied Paget.
“Otto will be next,” commented Blake. “I’ll be ready for him. Say, the job was certainty pulled slick. How did you do it?”
“Never mind.”
“Oh, all right. I just liked the job, that was all. The sedan came along and stopped in front of the old house where you told me to wait. A fellow got out and walked away, up the road. When I saw the coast was clear, I hopped in and came back here.”
The door opened, and Herbert returned for the empty glasses.
“Nice shot, Wilbur,” commented Paget, in his usual drawling tone.
“Thanks, Rodney,” returned Blake, chalking his cue. “Now watch this one.”
The men resumed their buzzing conversation after the butler had gone. At last there was a knock at the door. Otto entered in response to Blake’s order.
“Sorry, sir,” said. Otto. “I didn’t know that Mister Paget had gone until I reached the club.”