AT BAY It was only by an immense effort of will that Brereton prevented an exclamation and a start of surprise.

But of late he had been perpetually on the look-out for all sorts of unforeseen happenings and he managed to do no more than show a little natural astonishment.
"What, so soon!" he said.

"Dear me, old chap!--I didn't think of its being this side of Christmas." "Cotherstone's set on it," answered Bent.

"He seems to be turning into a regular hypochondriac.

I hope nothing is really seriously wrong with him.