"I congratulate you upon your escape," he said, "but I thought you were too ill to——"
"My escape!" replied John Dene.
"Yes, from that place—where was it, North?" He turned to Sir Bridgman.
"Streatham."
"Ah! yes, Streatham."
"I've been up north sending Huns to merry hell, where I'd like to send the whole Admiralty outfit," was the uncompromising retort. "I've come into contact with some fools——" John Dene broke off.
"Shutting up my offices," he muttered.
"But——" began Sir Lyster, then paused.
"I've been over to Chiswick and she's not there; flat's shut," continued John Dene.
"Chiswick!" repeated Sir Lyster. "Whose flat?"