"I'm awfully sorry, my dear fellow, but I am due to speak in Lincoln
to-morrow night. Any other night I'll be delighted."
"Thursday next, then, at eight o'clock--eh?"
"Good. It's an appointment," and he scribbled it down.
Then Trustram strode out and, hailing a passing taxi, drove home to his
quiet rooms off Eaton Square.
The moment he had gone Mrs Kirby, wearing a small, close-fitting hat
and blue serge walking-gown, quickly joined Rodwell in the hall.
"I've learnt something of importance, Molly. I must get away down to
old Small's at once. _Gott strafe England_!" he added very seriously.
"_Gott strafe England_!" the woman repeated after him in fervent
earnestness, as though it were a prayer. Then she asked in surprise,
"Going to-night? It's a long way. Why, you won't get there before
morning!"
"I must be there as soon as possible. Our submarines can get some
troop-ships--if we are slick enough! Every moment's delay is of the
utmost importance," he exclaimed hurriedly. "Ring up Penney, will you,
and tell him to bring round the car at once. Then come into the
dining-room and have a snack with me before I go. But to what do I owe
a visit at this hour? Have you anything to report?"
"Yes," she said. "I'll tell you when I've been on the 'phone," she
answered. "It's something urgent, and very important. I don't like the
look of things."