At 7:15 Theydon called a taxi and was carried swiftly to Mr.Forbes's house in Belgravia, while Bates disposed himself and the dressing case on top of a northbound omnibus.
The mere change of clothing, aided by the stimulant, had cleared Theydon's faculties.

Though he would gladly have foregone the dinner, he realized that it was not a bad thing that he should be forced, as it were, to wrench his thoughts from the nightmare of a crime with which such a man as "Evelyn's" father might be associated, even innocently.
At any rate, he was given some hours to marshal his forces for the discussion with the representatives of Scotland Yard.

He knew well that he must then face the dilemma boldly.

Two courses were open.

He could either share Bates's scanty knowledge, no more and no less, or avow his ampler observations.