“No one, sir. A—a figure of speech, if you please, sir.”
“Well, all right, Bowles. Proceed. Tell us your sweet, sad story,” prompted Nick.
“Hold on,” interrupted Bert. “Let’s get this straight. There’s something queer here.”
“Several,” murmured Nick.
“Who’s his Lordship, Bowles? Do you mean Hugh?”
“Really, Mr. Winslow——” began the perturbed Bowles.
At that instant Hugh threw off the enemy and bounded to his feet. “Bowles!” he cried. “Shut up! Get out of here!”
“Yes, sir,” said Bowles with vast relief. But Bert interposed.
“Don’t you do it, Bowles,” he commanded. “Let’s get this straight.”
“Bowles!” cautioned Hugh sternly.