Dutch officials to drink whiskies and sodas at my expense.
We got Milray's answer that evening. He knew nothing of my late secretary! There was only one spot of comfort to be extracted from the situation.
"At any rate," I said to Pagett, "you weren't poisoned. You had one of your ordinary bilious attacks."
I saw him wince. It was my only score.
Later.
Pagett is in his element. His brain positively scintillates with bright ideas. He will have it now that Rayburn is none other than the famous "Man in the Brown Suit." I dare say he is right. He usually is. But all this is getting unpleasant. The sooner I get off to Rhodesia the better. I have explained to Pagett that he is not to accompany me.
"You see, my dear fellow," I said, "you must remain here on the spot. You might be required to identify Rayburn any minute. And, besides, I have my dignity as an English Member of Parliament to think of. I can't go about with a secretary who has apparently recently been indulging in a vulgar street-brawl."
Pagett winced. He is such a respectable fellow that his appearance is pain and tribulation to him.
"But what will you do about your correspondence and the notes for your speeches, Sir Eustace?"
"I shall manage," I said airily.
"Your private car is to be attached to the eleven-o'clock train to-morrow, Wednesday, morning," Pagett continued. "I have made all arrangements. Is Mrs. Blair taking a maid with her?"
"Mrs. Blair?" I gasped.
"She tells me you offered her a place."
