"I propose doing so," was the reply.
"You want to find Burns, I suppose?" Malcolm Sage asked of Alf Pond, in low, level tones.
Alf Pond and his colleagues eyed him as if he had asked a most astonishing question.
"You barmy?" demanded the trainer, putting into words the looks of the others.
"You will continue with the day's work as if nothing had happened," continued Malcolm Sage. "No one outside must know that——"
"But how the hell are we going to do that with Charley gone?" broke in Alf Pond, taking a step forward with clenched fists.
"Your friend here," indicating Kid, "can pose as Burns," was Malcolm Sage's quiet reply, as he looked into the trainer's eye without the flicker of an eyelash.
"You, Mr. Doulton, I will ask to remain here with Mr. Papwith until I communicate with you. On no account leave the training-quarters, even if you have to wait here until to-morrow evening."
"But——" began Alf Pond; then he stopped and gazed at the sparring-partners, blinking his eyes in stupid bewilderment.
"Have I your promise?" enquired Malcolm Sage of Mr. Doulton.