“Rally or tally⁠—it’s all the same. Some silly word meaning nothing whatever. But it would have put me in a very awkward position⁠—having to refuse⁠—in fact, I probably shouldn’t have refused. But Tredwell got me out of it. I’ve forgotten what he said⁠—something damned ingenious which couldn’t hurt anybody’s feelings and which knocked the idea on the head absolutely.”

“Being comfortable isn’t enough for me,” said Bundle. “I want excitement.”

Lord Caterham shuddered.

“Didn’t we have enough excitement four years ago?” he demanded plaintively.

“I’m about ready for some more,” said Bundle. “Not that I expect I shall find any in town. But at any rate I shan’t dislocate my jaw with yawning.”

“In my experience,” said Lord Caterham, “people who go about looking for trouble usually find it.” He yawned. “All the same,” he added, “I wouldn’t mind running up to town myself.”