Mortimer was struck dumb with delight. For, ever since Koko and he, whilst taking tea at an ABC shop near St Matthew's Hospital, had on three successive occasions observed an extremely handsome girl at a neighbouring table, the Long 'Un had been burning to know the young lady. That was before he went home for a month's vacation. It would appear that Koko, faithful as ever to his friend's interests, had not been idle during that month.
"Come on," exclaimed Jim, "let's go and send off some telegrams. She'll at least be obliged to look at us. That'll be something, won't it?"
"Yes, that'll be something," said Koko; "all right, go and get dressed."
The Long 'Un disappeared into the bedroom, and presently emerged in proper attire.
"You'd better wear your tail coat and top-hat, or I may cut you out," suggested Koko.
With a bellow of laughter, the Long 'Un hurried into his bedroom again, issuing therefrom a minute later clad in the kind of coat and the kind of hat affected by Koko.
"Now," said Koko, as they left Jim's sitting-room, "we start level."
CHAPTER IV.
A HANDMAID TO MERCURY.
Mortimer was in such haste to reach Milverton Street, that it was all Koko could do, with his short legs, to keep pace with him.