"Well, I shouldn't be surprised if your wish is gratified before long. They're simply bound to catch her; the wonder to me is that they haven't done so months ago."
"It seems incredible that she should have escaped so long."
Peckle took up his cue again.
"Hear, hear, to that. And now, Benwell, my boy, if you don't want to go to sleep in that chair, turn out and finish the drubbing you've begun. I must be getting aboard directly."
Benwell rose, and went round the table to where his ball lay under the cushion. The imperturbable marker called the score as if there had been no pause in the game, and the match was once more getting under way, when the swing doors opened and an elderly man entered the room, he was dressed in white from top to toe, carried a big umbrella, and wore a broad-brimmed solar topee upon his head. Once inside, he paused as if irresolute, and then, looking round on its occupants, said politely:
"Forgive my intrusion; but can you tell me where I can find a gentleman named De Normanville?"
"I am that person!" I said, rising from my chair.
"I hope you will not think me rude," he continued, "but if you could allow me the honour of five minutes' conversation with you I should be obliged."
"With pleasure."
I crossed the room to where he stood, and signed him to a seat near the door.
"Pardon me," he said, "but the business about which I desire to consult you is of a highly important
