"Sorry to stop you, sir, but have you passed a caravan on the road?--a primrose-coloured van, with black stripes, and red wheels--something rather unusual in the way of vans; you could hardly help noticing it."
"I'm afraid I haven't been paying much attention. Whereabouts would it be?"
"Somewhere between here and Newcaster Heath. Which way did you come?"
"We've come from the Heath. Why do you ask?"
"Well--we're rather anxious to get news of that caravan."
"Why?--been stolen?--or anything of that sort?"
"No, it's not been stolen--no, nothing of that sort; only--there's someone with it with whom we should very much like to have a little conversation."
There was a significant twinkle in the speaker's eyes. Mr Frazer smiled, as if with perfect comprehension.
"In that case I hope it won't be long before your wish is gratified. There'll be plenty of people on that road to-day--I don't suppose I need tell you that it's race day--if it's anywhere about you ought to have news of it soon."
"As I said, if anyone does see that caravan they can hardly help noticing it. Thank you, sir; sorry to have kept you waiting."