"
He led the way in courtly fashion. He was the ideal host leading
a valued guest to his sanctum for a few moments' pleasant
conversation. But when they arrived in the little beamed room
and the door was closed, his manner changed. He looked
searchingly, almost challengingly at Francis.
"You have news for me?" he asked.
"Yes!" Francis answered.
Sir Timothy shrugged his shoulders. He threw himself a little
wearily into an easy-chair. His hands strayed out towards a
cigarette box. He selected one and lit it.
"I expected your friend, Mr. Shopland," he murmured. "I hope he
is none the worse for his ducking."
"Shopland is a fool," Francis replied. "He has nothing to do
with this affair, anyway. I have something to give you, Sir
Timothy."
He took the two papers from his pocket and handed them over.
"I bought these from John Walter the day before yesterday," he
continued. "I gave him two hundred pounds for them. The money
was just in time. He caught a steamer for Australia late in the
afternoon. I had this wireless from him this morning."
Sir Timothy studied the two documents, read the wireless. There
was little change in his face. Only for a single moment his lips
quivered.
"What does this mean?" he asked, rising to his feet with the
documents in his hand.
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