"Thank you," said Richard. "Then if you've nothing further to ask me
I'd be glad to turn in."
Hipps walked across the room and unlocked the door. The two servants came in.
"Show this gentleman to his apartment."
"Goodnight, everyone," said Richard.
He was passing out when Hipps laid a hand on his shoulder.
"Say," he said, touching his cheek. "You fired me with some ambition to see your flag at half mast. Admire your spirit and all that, but it kind o' gets my goat being branded by a youngster. Ain't used to it. We want that inf. o' yours and want it quick. My advice to you is, don't monkey with our patience. It won't pay."
"If you count this as a day," Richard replied with a grin, "it's cost me fifty thousand already."
For a moment Hipps made no reply and when at last he spoke his remark appeared to have no bearing on the matter in hand.
"In France during the war?" he asked.
"I was."