He hesitated a moment and then rapped lightly on the door, and no answer being forthcoming rapped again.

The door opened and revealed the amiable features of Mr.Tasker.
"Captain Bowers has gone to London, sir," he said.
Mr.Tredgold drew his right foot back three inches, and at the same time tried to peer into the room.
"We're expecting him back every moment," said Mr.Tasker, encouragingly.
Mr.Tredgold moved his foot forward again and pondered.

"It's very late, but I wanted to see him rather particularly," he murmured, as he stepped into the room.
"Miss Drewitt's in the garden," said Joseph.
Mr.Tredgold started and eyed him suspiciously.

Mr.Tasker's face, however, preserving its usual appearance of stolid simplicity, his features relaxed and he became thoughtful again.
"Perhaps I might go into the garden," he suggested.
"I should if I was you, sir," said Joseph, preceding him and throwing open the back door.

"It's fresher out there." Mr.Tredgold stepped into the garden and stood blinking in the sudden darkness.