His brows were knit; his face looked pinched and damp.
"What are you doing, Bob ?" he asked.
"Trying my strength," said Charnock, who got up.

"Three minutes yet to go, but I think we can take it that I've won." "I don't understand.

Is this a joke ?" "Do I look as if I'm joking ?" Charnock rejoined, with a forced smile.
"Anyhow, I'd like you to notice that I'm perfectly sober and this bottle has not been opened, although I've sat opposite it for nearly half an hour.

I'd have finished the half-hour if you had not come in." Festing picked up the bottle and read the writing.

"Who brought the thing here ?" "I suspect Wilkinson.