The notes
were counted by Mr. Cheape, the document signed by Captain Bannister and
Mrs. Delaporte.
"I am sure," Captain Bannister declared, holding the notes in his left
hand, "that no one can be more glad than Mrs. Delaporte and myself that
this little affair has been concluded so amicably. If you will allow me,
Mr. Bundercombe, to offer you a little refreshment----" Mr. Bundercombe
sighed.
"Well," he said, "I suppose it's all in the day's work for you people. I
don't mind admitting, though, money wasn't so easily earned in my days
that I can watch four thousand pounds go without feeling it. Thank you;
that'll do nicely," he added, accepting the brandy-and-soda Captain
Bannister handed him.
Mr. Wymans looked on with stern disapproval and I must say I sympathized
with him. Mr. Bundercombe, however, not only drained the glass with relish
but accepted the outstretched hand of Captain Bannister and afterward
shook hands also with Mrs. Delaporte.
"If you are passing at any time----" she whispered in his ear.
I had had enough of it and I dragged Mr. Bundercombe away. We drove back
to Prince's Gardens in somewhat ominous silence. Mr. Wymans would have
taken his leave, but Mr. Bundercombe begged him to come into the library.
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