It stopped again at the next floor, and he gave a start of excitement. As the door opened, he saw a group of men, with Duval, Ward, and General Prentice among them. He moved behind the elevator man, so that none of them should notice him.
Montague had caught one glimpse of the face of General Prentice. It was deathly pale. The General said not a word to anyone, but went out into the corridor. The other hesitated for a moment, then, with a sudden resolution, he turned and followed. As his friend passed out of the door, he stepped up beside him.
“Good evening, General,” he said. The General turned and stared at him, half in a daze.
“Oh, Montague!” he said. “How are you?”
“Very well,” said Montague.
In the street outside, among a group of half a dozen automobiles, he recognised the General's limousine car.
“Where are you going?” he asked.
“Home,” was the reply.
“I'll ride with you, if you like,” said Montague. “I've something to say to you.”
“All right,” said the General. He could not very well have refused, for Montague had taken him by the arm and started toward the car; he did not intend to be put off.