"No."
"You've stirred my curiosity, gentlemen."
Mr. Torrington leant forward and laid a hand on his arm,
"To this extent we can satisfy it," he said. "We three are engaged upon an operation of considerable magnitude."
"I guessed that much, sir. When three men like yourselves forgather one can generally look for balloons in the sky."
"Just so. A gentleman in whom we are interested requires latitude to conduct certain important activities with freedom from observation. To provide latitude it is necessary we should persuade our opponents that the gentleman is peaceably residing at his own home."
"Half a minute. You want to get Barraclough out of the country or somewhere and I'm to fill his place."
Mr. Torrington nodded. "Am I like Barraclough?"
"Remarkably so."
Suddenly Richard sprang to his feet and brought his hands together. "Tell me," he cried. "These opponents—have they made a blockade—to prevent him getting away."