He caught the driver’s eye and raised his stick, and turning suddenly to the Baron with a gesture of annoyance, exclaimed, “Forgive my rudeness, Baron, I’m afraid I must leave you. I had clean forgotten an important engagement in the city for this afternoon.”
“Appointment in ze city?” said the Baron in considerable surprise. “I did not know you had friends in ze city.”
“I have just heard from my father’s man of business, and I’m afraid it would be impolitic not to see him. Do you mind if I leave you here?”
“Surely, my dear fellow, I vould not stop you. Already I feel at home by myself.”
“Then we shall meet at the hotel before dinner. Good luck with the ladies, Baron.”
Mr Bunker jumped into the cab, saying only to the driver, “To the city, as quick as you can.”
“What part, sir?”
“Oh, say the Bank. Hurry up!”
Then as the man whipped up, Mr Bunker had a glimpse of Moggridge hailing another cab, and peeping cautiously through the little window at the back he saw him starting in hot pursuit. He took five shillings out of his pocket and opened the trap-door in the roof.
“Do you see that other cab chasing us, with a red-faced man inside?”