I have the honour to remain,
Yours truly,
JOHN SIMMONS.
Tony laid down the letter on the bed, took a thoughtful pull or two at his cigarette, and then, reaching up, pressed the electric bell, which was answered almost immediately by Spalding.
"Has Mr. Oliver gone out yet?" he inquired.
"He left the house a minute or two ago, Sir Antony. I could perhaps overtake him if you wished it."
Tony shook his head. "You had better not try, Spalding," he said. "You might drop dead from heart disease, and that would be very inconvenient."
"Quite so, sir," assented Spalding gravely.
"You can turn on my bath instead," observed Tony. "I have to go to Southampton." He threw back the bed-clothes and prepared to get out. "You might tell Bugg and Jennings that I shall want to see them as soon as I am dressed," he added.
Gathering up the tray, Spalding departed on his errand, and in a surprisingly short time for him Tony had completed his toilet, and was descending the staircase. As he reached the hall the door at the back opened, and Bugg appeared on the threshold. He came forward in that noiseless fashion which had won him his famous soubriquet.
"Mornin', Sir Ant'ny. Mr. Spalding says as you wanted to see me."
"That's right, Bugg," said Tony. "Are you a good sailor?"