Part 15 (1/2)
”What Club?”
”The Melbourne Club.”
”Yes?” interrogatively.
”Rolleston went home, and I went into the Club and played cards for a time.”
”When did you leave the Club?”
”A few minutes to one o'clock in the morning.”
”And then, I suppose, you went home?”
”No; I did not.”
”Then where did you go?”
”Down the street.”
”Rather vague. I presume you mean Collins Street?”
”Yes.”
”You were going to meet some one, I suppose?”
”I never said so.”
”Probably not; but young men don't wander about the streets at night without some object.”
”I was restless and wanted a walk.”
”Indeed! How curious you should prefer going into the heart of the dusty town for a walk to strolling through the Fitzroy Gardens, which were on your way home! It won't do; you had an appointment to meet some one.”
”Well--er--yes.”
”I thought as much. Man or woman?”
”I cannot tell you.”
”Then I must find out for myself.”
”You can't.”
”Indeed! Why not?”
”You don't know where to look for her.”
”Her,” cried Calton, delighted at the success of his craftily-put question. ”I knew it was a woman.”
Brian did not answer, but sat biting his lips with vexation.