Nor could Richard resist the temptation of lifting an exultant cry of, "Good-night, gentlemen," ere he was seized by Auriole and hurried down the stairs.
As they passed through the front garden and ran stumbling toward the waiting car they could hear above them the sound of curses and hammer blows echoing through the house.
CHAPTER 32.
THE APPOINTED HOUR.
Hilbert Torrington was first to arrive. His big car deposited him at Crest Chambers at ten forty-five, a quarter of an hour before the time promised for Barraclough's arrival. The ever attentive Doran took his hat and coat, turned on the table lamp and provided him with a pack of Patience cards.
"You look hopeful, sir," he remarked.
"I always expect the best till I have knowledge of the worst," came the smiling rejoinder. "I trust you have quite recovered from the effects of the anaesthetic."
"Thank you, sir. But my recovery'll date from the hour the Captain gets back."
Doran liked to refer to his master by the military rank he had borne during the war.
"To be sure," said Mr. Torrington. "That will be a welcome event to all of us."