"Don't bother me," he was saying, "it will be all right now that the will has been read." "For your own sake I hope it will be all right," replied Hale, and Caranby caught the words as he came up.

After giving his message, he sauntered round, watching the play, and seemingly listened to no one.
But all the time he kept his ears open to hear what Hale and Clancy were talking about.
The two men were in a corner of the room, and Clancy was expostulating angrily with Hale.

They held their peace when Caranby drifted near them, he saw that they were on their guard.

Looking round, he espied Jennings playing at a side table, and crossed to him.
"Permit me to take your place," said Caranby, and added in a low tone, "watch Hale and Clancy!" Jennings seized the idea at once and surrendered the chair to the old nobleman.

Then he lighted a cigarette and by degrees strolled across the room to where the two were again talking vigorously.