"That's my man, Bridgland," said Reg, fiercely.
"From what I could gather, this Wyck boasts of the possession of a diabolical faculty for making girls fall in love with him. His next move is to throw them over and one more is added to his record, which is kept by means of notches on a stick. Now I distinctly heard Tommy say that Wyck had his fiftieth notch booked, and that she was an Australian."
"My God! that was Amy. Bridgland, I will see you again, but I cannot stay longer now. I begin to see my way clear. A thousand thanks and good-bye." To Bridgland's astonishment he left the office hurriedly, without another word.
Calling a cab, Reg drove to the Angora Club in Piccadilly, and asked for Mr. Thomas. Finding he was not in, he left a letter asking him to meet him on business of importance at a certain hotel at three o'clock the following afternoon.
That evening he and the Whytes discussed his project.
The old couple were bearing up well, and so deep was their indignation against the man who had ruined the peace of their home that they encouraged Reg in his revenge.
"You are young and strong, Reg. I wish I was too, then I would go with you," said Whyte; "but I am getting too old."
"Leave it to me, Whyte. I have sworn to brand him, and as long as I have breath in my body, I will not give in."
The following day, Reg engaged a private room in the hotel, and gave instructions that Mr. Thomas was to be shown up immediately on his arrival, an event which soon happened.
"How do you do, Morris?" said Tommy, genially coming towards him. "Awfully good of you to think of me."
"You don't look well, old fellow. Nothing wrong, I hope."
"What will you have to drink?" asked Reg, disregarding the invitation.
"Ah! the best way to kill trouble. Drink, and put your care in the grave."
The liquor was brought, and the waiter dismissed with instructions that they were not on any account to be disturbed.
"Do you mind my drawing the curtains?" said Reg, "the light affects my eyes."
"Not at all, old man. Here's good luck to you," answered Tommy, filling his glass.
Reg did not reply, but going to the door, he locked it, and put the key in his pocket. Tommy looked on in amazement. The little man had not much pluck, and he felt his knees tremble.