Drummond laid down the paper on his knees, and stared a little dazedly at the club’s immoral founder.
“Holy smoke! laddie,” he murmured, “that man Peterson ought to be on the committee here. Verily, I believe, he could galvanise the staff into some semblance of activity.”
“Did you order anything, sir?” A waiter paused beside him.
“No,” murmured Drummond, “but I will rectify the omission. Another large tankard of ale.”
The waiter departed, and Hugh picked up the paper again.
“We understand,” he murmured gently to himself, “that Mr. Potts, who has recently been indisposed, has returned to the Carlton.... Now that’s very interesting....” He lit a cigarette and lay back in his chair. “I was under the impression that Mr. Potts was safely tucked up in bed, consuming semolina pudding, at Goring. It requires elucidation.”
“I beg your pardon, sir,” remarked the waiter, placing the beer on the table beside him.
“You needn’t,” returned Hugh. “Up to date you have justified my fondest expectations. And as a further proof of my goodwill, I would like you to get me a trunk call—2 X Goring.”
A few minutes later he was in the telephone box.
“Peter, I have seldom been so glad to hear your voice. Is all well? Good. Don’t mention any names. Our guest is there, is he? Gone on strike against more milk puddings, you say. Coax him, Peter. Make a noise like a sturgeon, and he’ll think it’s caviare. Have you seen the papers? There are interesting doings in Belfast, which concern us rather intimately. I’ll be down later, and we’ll have a pow-wow.”