Page:The Clue of the Twisted Candle (1916).djvu/144

T. X. that Kara had anticipated the reason for the call.

"Have you any idea," asked T. X., speaking with deliberation, "as to why Lady Bartholomew has gone out of town at this particular moment?"

Kara laughed.

"What an extraordinary question to ask me—as though Lady Bartholomew confided her plans to one who is little more than a chance acquaintance!"

"And yet," said T. X., contemplating the burning end of his cigarette, "you know her well enough to hold her promissory note."

"Promissory note*?" asked the other.

His tone was one of involuntary surprise and T. X. swore softly to himself for now he saw the faintest shade of relief in Kara's face. The Commissioner realized that he had committed an error—he had been far too definite.

"When I say promissory note," he went on easily, as though he had noticed nothing, "I mean, of course, the securities which the debtor invari-