"The box! But what in creation does Doris know—"
"I'll be telling you in a minute," Teddy interrupted, looking hot and miserable.
"All right. Go ahead."
Teddy added to the message: "Surprised to find box safe here." Then, with his pencil dabbing the blotting-paper, he said: "Alan, if you don't mind my suggesting it, I think she'd like a word from you—for herself." He had evidently forgotten that he had brought no "word" for Alan.
The latter did not reply at once. "You might put," he said slowly, his gaze on the fire, "'Trust Alan,' or words to that effect—No, don't say anything."
Teddy gave him a puzzled glance, sighed, and completed the message.
Alan rang the bell, remarking: "Caw will be interested to know that it was Bullard who was here last night with his petards. Pretty clever chap, Bullard. But what on earth made him return the box?"
"I can tell you that also," said Teddy, as Caw came in for the telegram.
"Quick as you can, Caw," Alan said. "Mr. France has more to tell us."
The friends smoked in silence till the servant came back.