The two men left Soto's together, very much in the fashion of two ordinary acquaintances sallying out to spend the evening together.

Sir Timothy's Rolls-Royce limousine was in attendance, and in a few minutes they were threading the purlieus of Covent Garden.

It was here that an incident occurred which afforded Francis considerable food for thought during the next few days.
It was a Friday night, and one or two waggons laden with vegetable produce were already threading their way through the difficult thoroughfares.

Suddenly Sir Timothy, who was looking out of the window, pressed the button of the car, which was at once brought to a standstill.

Before the footman could reach the door Sir Timothy was out in the street.