"Who was that went out just now?" inquired Mr. Forde.
"Our manager, sir."
"Fetch him back. I want him."
Mr. Hankins went rapidly enough to the outer gate, and passed into the road, where he saw Lang turning a not remote corner.
Hearing the gate slam, Lang looked round and would have paused, but Hankins made him a sign to proceed. Then Hankins, having hurried to the corner, took up a position which commanded a good view of his friend's retreating figure; and it was only when Lang was out of sight that he retraced his steps to the door where, as he expected, Mr. Forde was waiting for him.
"I couldn't overtake him, sir," he said, panting a little as if he had made mighty efforts to do so.
"Humph!" exclaimed Mr. Forde; "I'll be bound I could have overtaken him."
"I don't think you could, sir."
"And who asked you to think, pray?" inquired Mr. Forde.