"But you were shaping a course in the opposite direction when I crossed your bows."
"The pater has let his house and gone to live somewhere in the New Forest—near Holmsley. It's a matter of three hours' journey, even by express."
"Why not hire a 'plane? All you've to do is to tube to Richmond and get one from the Metropolitan and Suburban Volo Company. You'd be at Holmsley in three-quarters of an hour."
Dacres shook his head.
"Can't run to it, old man," he said gravely. "I haven't any too much shot in the locker at present."
Hythe's hand was in his pocket in an instant.
"Don't be offended, Dacres," he said hurriedly, "but if I can let you have——"
Dacres shook his head.
"Thanks, old chap," he replied, "I'd rather not."
"As a loan, then?"