"No, Mr. Tidd, he's not in just at present."
"When is he likely to return?"
"Well, that's doubtful; he has left me in charge."
The end of Mr. Tidd's nose moved uneasily.
"You are in charge of my case?"
"Yes, of the whole business."
"I can speak confidentially?"
"Absolutely."
"Well, I have decided to stop proceedings—in fact, I am caught in a hole."
"Oh!"