Petrie and Hammond will be there at ten. I'd like you to join
'em. Better nip along now."
"Yessir."
"And--Dollops"--he beckoned him back and bent his head to the lad's
ear, speaking in a voice that none heard but the one it was intended
for--"keep a sharp look-out. I had a narrow escape last night. Someone
tried to stab me in bed but he got my pillow instead--"
"_Gawdamercy_, Guv'nor!--"
"Ssh. And there's no need to worry. I'm still here, you see. But keep
your eyes and your ears open, and if you see any strange men hanging
around, report to me at once."
Dollops's usually pale, freckled countenance went a shade paler, and he
caught at Cleek's arm as though he were loath to let it go.
"But, sir," he whispered in a hoarse undertone, "you won't go a-knocking
about alone, will yer? If anythin' were to 'appen to you--I--I'd go along
and commit that there 'harum-scarum' wot the Japanese are so fond o'
doin'--on the spot!"
Cleek could barely restrain a laugh. The whispered conversation had taken
the merest fraction of a minute and, during it, he had had full view of
the green baize door which led down to the servants' quarters.
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