"If he does," said Raffles, "there will be a collision, that's
all. Revolver would be out of place in the Metropole, but
I shall certainly take a life-preserver."
"But it's ghastly!" I cried. "To sit and talk to an utter
stranger and to know that you're at work in the next room!"
"Two thousand apiece," said Raffles, quietly.
"Upon my soul I believe I shall give it away!"
"Not you, Bunny. I know you better than you know yourself."
He put on his coat and his hat.
"What time have I to be there?" I asked him, with a groan.
"Quarter to eight. There will be a telegram from me saying I
can't turn up. He's a terror to talk, you'll have no difficulty
in keeping the ball rolling; but head him off his picture for all
you're worth. If he offers to show it to you, say you must go.
He locked up the case elaborately this afternoon, and there's no
earthly reason why he should unlock it again in this hemisphere."
"Where shall I find you when I get away?"
"I shall be down at Esher. I hope to catch the 9.55."
"But surely I can see you again this afternoon?" I cried in a
ferment, for his hand was on the door. "I'm not half coached up
yet! I know I shall make a mess of it!"
"Not you," he said again, "but _I_ shall if I waste any more
time. I've got a deuce of a lot of rushing about to do yet.
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