"Oh, is it you, Mr. Ferdinand?" said the Prophet, controlling every
symptom of anguish, with the exception of a rapid flutter of the
eyelids. "I was looking for--for a bradawl."
The Prophet's choice of this useful little implement as the reason for
his presence in Mr. Ferdinand's special sanctum was prompted by the fact
that, just as he was speaking, he happened to see a bradawl lying upon a
neighbouring knife cupboard in the company of a corkscrew.
"And here, I see, is just what I want," he added calmly.
So far he had displayed extraordinary composure, but at this point he
made a slight mistake, for he picked up the corkscrew and sauntered
quietly away with it into the darkness, leaving Mr. Ferdinand still in
the attitude of a Toby jug, the planisphere still head downwards in
the butler's own special pomade, and the George the Third candlestick
stretched at full length upon the passage floor.
CHAPTER X
THE PROPHET AND MALKIEL THE SECOND CONVERSE BY TELEGRAM
"Hennessey Vivian, 1000 Berkeley Square, W.
"Please wire result of last night's observations from eleven till three
inclusive.--Sagittarius."
"Jupiter Sagittarius, Sagittarius Lodge, Crampton St.
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