Part 26 (1/2)
”There's no resisting your colossal gall,” he said, pa.s.sing into the adjoining room to get bed-clothing for his guest.
”I admit it,” said Iff placidly.
As Staff returned, the telephone bell rang. In his surprise he paused with his arms full of sheets, blankets and pillows, and stared incredulously at his desk.
”What the deuce now?” he murmured.
”The quickest way to an answer to that,” suggested Iff blandly, ”is there.” He indicated the telephone with an ample gesture. ”Help yourself.”
Dropping his burden on the divan, Staff seated himself at the desk and took up the receiver.
”h.e.l.lo?”
He started violently, recognising the voice that answered: ”Mr. Staff?”
”Yes--”
”This is Miss Searle.”
”I know,” he stammered; ”I--I knew your voice.”
”Really?” The query was perfunctory. ”Mr. Staff--I couldn't wait to tell you--I've just got in from a theatre and supper party with some friends.”
”Yes,” he said. ”Where are you?”
Disregarding his question, the girl's voice continued quickly: ”I wanted to see my hat and opened the bandbox. It wasn't my hat--it's the one you described--the one that--”
”I know,” he interrupted; ”I know all about that now.”
”Yes,” she went on hurriedly, unheeding his words. ”I admired and examined it. It--there's something else.”
”I know,” he said again; ”the Cadogan collar.”
”Oh!” There was an accent of surprise in her voice. ”Well, I've ordered a taxi, and I'm going to bring it to you right away. The thing's too valuable--”
”Miss Searle--”
”I'm afraid to keep it here. I wanted to find out if you were up--that's why I called.”
”But, Miss Searle--”
”The taxi's waiting now. I'll be at your door in fifteen minutes.”
”But--”
”Good-bye.”
He heard the click as she hung up the receiver; and nothing more. With an exclamation of annoyance he swung round from the desk.
”Somebody coming?” enquired Iff brightly.