The word "gentleman" seemed to choke him.
"Mr. Coldfoot," he added more easily.
"Not unless he is staying with you, sir," Ruddock replied.
"I am not staying with Mr. Eldridge," said Coldfoot. "You will find me at 'The Three Fishermen' if I can be of any use to you."
"Thank you, sir," said Sergeant Ruddock.
"Now, Sergeant, what can I do for you?" inquired Eldridge.
Coldfoot had departed, and Eldridge, closing the study door, was indicating a chair.
Ruddock did not immediately sit down, but stood a moment looking round the room, a pleasant room furnished with leather armchairs. A few books, mostly novels or sporting yarns, were lying about. A collection of native weapons hung between the windows—an Indian machete among others—and next to them a German steel helmet, with other trophies
