It was rare for Lester Carmody to feel gratitude for the advice which this young man gave him so freely, but he was grateful now. He perceived clearly that a venture like the one on which he and his colleagues had embarked should never have been undertaken while the house was full of infernal, interfering young men. Such was his emotion that for an instant he almost liked Mr. Fish.
"Hugo was saying that you wished him to become your partner in some commercial enterprise," he said.
"A night club. The Hot Spot. Situated just off Bond Street, in the heart of London's pleasure-seeking area."
"You were going to give him a half share for five hundred pounds, I believe?"
"Five hundred was the figure."
"He shall have the cheque immediately," said Mr. Carmody. "I will go and write it now. And to-morrow you shall take him to London. The best trains are in the morning. I quite agree with you about his mental condition. I am very much obliged to you for drawing it to my notice."
"Don't mention it, Carmody," said Mr. Fish graciously. "Only too glad, my dear fellow. Always a pleasure, always a pleasure."
VII
John had returned to his work and was deep in it when Hugo and his wounded head crossed his threshold. He was startled and concerned.