He left there at 12.30 with a couple of ladies whom he appeared to know fairly well, called at their flat for a drink, and sent one out to his cabby--rather unusual forethought for such a bounder.

When he reappeared and directed the man to drive him to Cavendish Mansions, Battersea, the driver tried to excuse himself.

Both he and his horse were dead tired, he said.

Barnes, however, insisted upon keeping him, and off they went.

At Cavendish Mansions, Barnes alighted and offered the man a sovereign.