Will you come on at once and meet me?
Want to see you on most important business-- "JAMES." Allerdyke re-read this message, quietly and methodically folded it up, slipped it into his pocket, and with a swift glance at the station clock turned to his chauffeur.
"Gaffney," he said, "how long would it take us to run across to Hull ?" The chauffeur showed no surprise at this question; he had served Allerdyke for three years, and was well accustomed to his ways.
"Hull ?" he replied.

"Let's see, sir--that 'ud be by way of Leeds, Selby, and Howden.

About sixty miles in a straight line, but there's a good bit of in-and-out work after you get past Selby, sir.

I should say about four hours." "Plenty of petrol in the car ?" asked Allerdyke, turning down the platform.

"There is?
What time did you have your supper ?" "Ten o'clock, sir," answered Gaffney, with promptitude.
"Bring the car round to the hotel door in the station yard," commanded Allerdyke.