Page:The Relentless City.djvu/179

Rh office in Pall Mall. He had always rather liked the man; his practical shrewdness, the entire absence of what might be called about him, a certain hard, definite clearness about him and his ways, was somehow satisfactory to the mind. And this morning these characteristics were peculiarly developed.

He gave Bertie a blunt and genuine welcome.

he said.

Bertie took a cigarette.

he said.

Bilton looked puzzled a moment.

he said.

He took down an alphabetical letter-case from a shelf, and after a short search drew out a packet.

he said.

asked Bertie.

said Bertie.

said Bilton.

said Bertie. He stopped.

Bilton got up.