Tony nodded his head. "Good," he observed, and without further comment he renewed his contemplation of the breakfast table.
"There's the matter o' the stakes, sir," Bugg ventured to remind him. "'Alf-past twelve, sir, was the time Dr. Donaldson said they'd be payin' over."
Tony again nodded. "That will be all right, Bugg," he said. "I will go down to the Club myself and collect the royal booty. I only hope Da Freitas will turn up personally. It would give me great pleasure to watch him writing out the cheque."
He looked across smilingly towards Isabel, and saw to his amazement that she had suddenly gone as white as a sheet.
CHAPTER VI
PRICING AN HEIRLOOM
Tony was so surprised that for a moment he remained just as he was. Then suddenly recovering himself he turned back to Bugg.
"You had better go along and find yourself something to eat, 'Tiger,'" he said. "That haddock must be getting a little historical by now."
Bugg rose to his feet with a grin. "I could shift a bit, sir," he observed, "an' that ain't 'alf a fact."
"Tell the cook what you'd like," said Tony. "After last night she will do anything for you." He paused. "I want to see you again before I go out," he added.