“When?” cried Wally.
“I sold it half way through the road-tour,” said Mr Pilkington, “to a lawyer, acting on behalf of a client whose name I did not learn.”
In the silence which followed this revelation, another voice spoke.
“I should like to speak to you for a moment, Mr Goble, if I may.” It was Jill, who had joined the group unperceived.
Mr Goble glowered at Jill, who met his gaze composedly.
“I’m busy!” snapped Mr Goble. “See me tomorrow!”
“I would prefer to see you now.”
“You would prefer!” Mr Goble waved his hands despairingly, as if calling on heaven to witness the persecution of a good man.
Jill exhibited a piece of paper stamped with the letter-heading of the management.
“It’s about this,” she said. “I found it in the box as I was going out.”