"I am sorry to have to inform you, sir," said Webster, "that Mr. Mortimer declines to accede to your request."
"Oh, he said that, did he!"
"That is the gist of his remarks, sir."
"Did you tell him I was trying to get to sleep?"
"Yes, sir. I understood him to reply that he should worry and get a pain in the neck."
"Go down again and say that I insist on his stopping the thing. It's an outrage."
"Very good, sir."
In a few minutes, Webster, like the dove despatched from the Ark, was back again.
"I fear my mission has been fruitless, sir. Mr. Mortimer appears adamant on the point at issue."
"You gave him my message?"
"Verbatim, sir. In reply Mr. Mortimer desired me to tell you that, if you did not like it, you could do the other thing. I quote the exact words, sir."
"He did, did he?"
"Yes, sir."
"Very good! Webster!"
"Sir?"
"When is the next train to London?"
"I will ascertain, sir. Cook, I believe has a time-table."
"Go and see, then. I want to know. And send Miss Wilhelmina to me."
"Very good, sir."
Somewhat consoled by the thought that he was taking definite action, Mr. Bennett lay back and waited for Billie.
"I want you to go to London," he said, when she appeared.
"To London? Why?"
"I'll tell you why," said Mr. Bennett vehemently. "Because of that pest Mortimer. I must have legal advice. I want you to go and see Sir Mallaby Marlowe. Here's his address. Tell him the whole story. Tell him that this man is annoying me in every possible way and ask if he can't be stopped. If you can't see Sir Mallaby himself, see someone else in the firm. Go up to-night, so that you can see him first thing in the morning. You can stop the night at the Savoy. I've sent Webster to look out a train."
"There's a splendid train in about an hour. I'll take that."
"It's giving you a lot of trouble," said Mr. Bennett with belated consideration.
"Oh no!" said Billie. "I'm only too glad to be able to do something for you, father dear. This noise is a terrible nuisance, isn't it."
"You're a good girl," said Mr. Bennett.