"Strike while the iron's hot.

At any rate," he concluded, as Mr.Chalk voiced feeble objections, "we can see how the land lies." He knocked at the door and then, stepping aside, left Mr.Chalk to lead the way in.

Captain Bowers, who was sitting with Prudence, looked up at their entrance, and putting down his newspaper extended a hearty welcome.
"Chalk didn't like to pass without looking in," said Mr.Tredgold, "and I haven't seen you for some time.

You know Stobell ?" The captain nodded, and Mr.Chalk, pale with excitement, accepted his accustomed pipe from the hands of Miss Drewitt and sat nervously awaiting events.

Mr.Tasker set out the whisky, and, Miss Drewitt avowing a fondness for smoke in other people, a comfortable haze soon filled the room.