I saw that he had put the date of the preceding Sunday, and then--
"Louise O'Donnel--For the Honour of the Club."
"If I put my name to that it may be tantamount to a confession of murder."
"Precisely--it is in accordance with our rules--for our general protection--we shall have to sign a similar memorandum in our turns."
"May I ask where this book is kept? One does not like to think that such an interesting volume is left lying about."
Pendarvon pointed to a safe which was fitted into the wall.
"At present it is kept in there. It is as good a safe of its sort as you are likely to find. I have the only key But I agree with you that the proper custody of the book is a matter of importance. I would suggest that a safe be obtained with thirteen different locks and thirteen different keys, which it will be impossible to open except without common consent."
"Your suggestion, Mr. Chairman, is a good one."
"Then, by the time we meet again such a safe shall be obtained. In the meantime--sign."
I signed. Outwardly, I believe, that I was calm enough. In my heart I wished that, before I had ever heard of him or it, Pendarvon and his club had been at Timbuctoo, and stayed there.