As he had made his money he had invested it in easily convertible, gilt-edged securities, which would be realized at an hour's notice in London or New York, Paris or Vienna.

It would be the easiest thing in the world for him, as Mayor of Highmarket, to leave the town on Corporation business, and within a few hours to be where nobody could find him; within a few more, to be out of the country.

Lately, he had often thought of going right away, to enjoy himself for the rest of his life.

He had made one complete disappearance already; why not make another?
Before he went townwards again that morning, he was beginning to give serious attention to the idea.
Meanwhile, however, there was the business of the day to attend to, and Stoner's absence threw additional work on the two partners.

Then at twelve o'clock, Mallalieu had to go over to the Town Hall to preside at a meeting of the General Purposes Committee.