"Of course I do, but I rather hoped nothing in particular would happen for a week or so——"
"Plenty has. You know those experts of yours, Valasco, Drayton-Quinn, and that Hollander Van Boschoven. Well, they don't get on. Each has come to me privately, and in turn, and told me that the others were no good——"
"Your rôle is to remain amiable and non-committal," said Quarren. "Let them talk——"
"Valasco and Drayton-Quinn won't speak, and Van Boschoven has notified me that he declines to come to the house as long as either of the others are there."
"Very well; arrange to have them there on different days."
"I don't think Valasco will come back at all."
"Because—the fact is—I believe I practically—so to speak—hit him."
"What!"
"Fact, old chap."