He pulled out his watch. The man dashed along the corridor, much to the amazement of a passing chamber-maid. He returned, bearing the bag in triumph.
“Seventeen seconds! By the law of equity you are entitled to eighteenpence.”
Brett produced the money and led the gaping waiter out of the room, promptly shutting the door on him.
“He’s a rum gentleman that,” said the waiter to the girl.
“He must be, to make you hurry in such fashion. Why, you wouldn’t have gone faster for a free pint.”
“I consider that an impertinent observation.” With tilted nose the man turned and cannoned against Hume.
“Here!” cried the latter. “Run to the stables and get me a horse and trap. If they are ready in two minutes I’ll give you two shillings.”
“Talk about makin’ money!” gasped the waiter, as he flew downstairs, “this is coinin’. But, by gum, they are in a hurry.”
Brett unlocked his bag and took from it the book of newspaper cuttings.
“Ah!” he said, after a rapid glance at his concluding notes. “I thought so. Here is what I wrote when the affair was fresh in my mind:—