Page:Edgar Jepson--the four philanthropists.djvu/80

74 services, and be ready to act the moment he refuses." "That's talking," said Chelubai with approval. "But how are we to get at him?"

"I think we shall have to kidnap him, and frighten it out of him."

"How?" said Chelubai.

"The kidnapping will be difficult; but we ought to be able to work it. Once kidnapped, we will follow some approved mediæval course of treatment—pull out a tooth every four hours, for example. Let us bear in mind that Honest John Driver is also an enemy of Humanity. We need not take any nonsense from him," said I.

"We need not," said Chelubai heartily.

There was a pause, as with one consent we gave our minds to the matter of kidnapping our probably recalcitrant debtor. Then Chelubai said: "Please excuse our boring you with these business details, Miss Brand."

"After the dulness of the German school from which my sister has firmly levanted, these business details must be positively exhilarating," said I. I did not like ladling out romance to Chelubai and Bottiger. But really, in the circumstances, I did not see what else I could do.

"Well, I'm driving Bottiger down to St. Albans," said Chelubai, rising. "Will Miss Brand and you lunch with me at the Savoy at two?"