"Packed and primed," said Geoff.
"Let's be off."
And almost before I knew it we were in the old stables, putting our gear in the back of Alec's great red Rolls.
"Who'll ride with me?" I asked.
"Not I," barked the Colonel promptly. "I've had some of your idea of driving."
"I'll go with you, Will," said Geoff Exeter. "Just put my fist on the car, will you?" I did so, and he climbed in. "I like speed," he said.
I had been hoping for Marion's company, but Geoff—well, he rated a front-row stall in the game. He'd lost his eyes for us. I said, "Geoff will stick with me for the first days. The rest of you put up at the Albany, where Colonel Bedford has a suite, and at that inn in Baker Street, The Gray Gander. Geoff and I will be at the Gloucester Club."
"I shall be there too, sir," said Johnson. "I've been on 'sick leave' quite long enough."
"Roger. Geoff, the Sergeant and I at the Gloucester. The Colonel and John at the Albany. Marion and Alec at The Gray Gander. Don't get in touch with me, unless you give birth to some really ripping idea. I'll find you when there's news."
I touched Marion's hand in farewell, and slid into the Jaguar. We backed out and shot away into the blue.