"Do you expect him to arrive soon?
Or shall I try and reach him at Fortescue Square ?" "Mr.Forbes will not be here till midday," came a voice with a pronounced Scottish intonation.

"I'm doubtful, too, if ye'll catch him at home.

Can I give him a message ?" "Do you know where he is ?" "Well, I cannot say." "But do you know ?" "I'll be glad to give him a message." "It will be too late, then.

Please understand, Mr.Macdonald, that I am making this call at Mr.Forbes's express wish.

It is, as I have said, vitally important that I should get in touch with him without delay." Scottish caution was not to be overcome by an appeal of that sort.
"I cannot go beyond what I have said," was the reply.