“Yes, I think so.”
“You don’t think—no, that’s impossible.”
“What?”
“That O’Rourke can be mixed up in this in any way.”
“It’s possible,” said Bundle thoughtfully. “He’s got what one calls a very vivid personality. No, it wouldn’t surprise me, to tell the truth, nothing would surprise me! In fact, there’s only one person I’m really sure isn’t No. 7.”
“Who’s that?”
“Superintendent Battle.”
“Oh! I thought you were going to say George Lomax.”
“Ssh, here he comes.”
George was, indeed, bearing down upon them in an unmistakable manner. Jimmy made an excuse and slipped away. George sat down by Bundle.
“My dear Eileen, must you really leave us?”
“Well, Father seems to have got the wind up rather badly. I think I’d better go home and hold his hand.”
“This little hand will indeed be comforting,” said George, taking it and pressing it playfully. “My dear Eileen, I understand your reasons and I honour you for them. In these days of changed and unsettled conditions—”
“He’s off,” thought Bundle desperately.