“What I mean to say is⁠—well, I mean you’ll be all right and all that, won’t you? It’s all very well ragging, but when I think of poor old Gerry⁠—and then poor old Ronny⁠—”

Jimmy gazed at him in exasperation. Bill was one of those who undoubtedly meant well, but the result of his efforts would not be described as heartening.

“I see,” he remarked, “that I shall have to show you Leopold.”

He slipped his hand into the pocket of the dark blue suit into which he had just changed and held out something for Bill’s inspection.

“A real, genuine, blue-nosed automatic,” he said with modest pride.

“No. I say,” said Bill, “is it really?”

He was undoubtedly impressed.