He saw in the dim vista no khaki-clad army with flashing bayonets, but a long, thin line of black-coated men with sallow faces, clutching their money-bags.
There was a knock at the door and his secretary entered.
"Captain Granet has been here for some time, sir," he announced softly.
The banker came back to the present.

He woke up, indeed, with a little start.
"Show my nephew in at once," he directed.

"I shall be engaged with him for at least a quarter of an hour.

Kindly go round to the Bank of England and arrange for an interview with Mr.Williams for three o'clock this afternoon." The clerk silently withdrew.

Granet entered, a few minutes later.