"I'll give him a call the moment I'm free.

He will understand.

Anyhow, I can't explain further now." "Yes, sir," and Bates disappeared.
"Mr.Forbes?
The gentleman you were dining with ?" inquired Winter.
"Yes," said Theydon.

He knew he ought to add something by way of explanation, but his heart was thumping madly, and he dared not trust his voice.
"You told him, I suppose, that Scotland Yard was worrying you, and he wants to know the result ?" Then Theydon saw an avenue of escape, and took it eagerly.
"I spoke of the murder, of course," he said, "but Mr.Forbes was hardly interested.

He had seen the newspaper placards, and that was all he knew of it.