"Clean cut," announced Beverley. "Any first-aid gadgets in the car, Alec?"
"Trust me for that," replied Claverhouse. "I'll fetch the wallet."
"Any suggestion as to the cause of that attack?" asked Villiers.
"Can't say," was the non-committal reply. "I'm sorry they got away—very."
"So am I," agreed Villiers sincerely. "According to the papers, robbery with violence is on the increase. One of the after-results of the war, I suppose. Going far?"
"Southampton," replied the stranger. "I have an engagement at three."
"So have we," added Beverley. "Is your bike all right?"
Examination proved that it was rideable, although the front wheel was slightly buckled and the exhaust-lever cable had snapped.
"You'd better come in the car," suggested Claverhouse, when the bandaging operation was completed. "One of my friends can ride your bike."
"I'd be eternally grateful," replied the motor-cyclist. "I'm not much of a hand at this sort of game, but with this wretched railway strike on, what is a fellow to do?"