the Post Club."

"Oh, yes," Carden replied. "I have managed, somehow or other, to keep
myself on the club books. Not that I go to the Post very much, because I
can't afford it. If I meet a young friend occasionally who is anxious to
see life, I take him there to lunch, on the strict understanding, of
course, that he repays me."

"Then I want you to take me there. I would like to lunch there to-day,
and I wish you to introduce me to Mr. Rickerby, the commission agent. It
is a very simple matter. If you can bring this about and get me half an
hour's conversation with Rickerby after lunch, I'll give you a tenner
and pay for the lunch besides. There's no risk and no responsibility as
far as you are concerned."

The Major pondered the matter.

"What are you up to?" he asked presently.

"That," Phillips said, "is no business of yours. But I assure you that I
am up to nothing wrong. Nothing I can say or do will get you into
trouble. I don't mind telling you there is a big swindle on foot to rob
the leading bookmakers and commission agents and I am trying to expose
it. If I do, there will be a good round sum of money for me, and if I
fail, I shall be none the worse off. Now, are you game?"

The Major smiled. At that moment ten-pound notes were scarce, and
Phillips' offer came in the nature of a windfall. But it was not part of
his diplomacy to accept the suggestion too eagerly.

"I think so," he said. "I don't see why I shouldn't accommodate you.
Perhaps, later, you might have something else to put in my way."

"Very well, then," Phillips replied. "I need not detain you now. I'll
meet you at the club at half-past one."

CHAPTER XIV

THE POST CLUB

There are several smart betting clubs in London, but none smarter or
more up-to-date than the Post Club. Like most institutions of the kind,
it is somewhat mixed and largely devoted to the purposes of gambling.
All sorts and conditions of men can be met there, from the magnates of
the turf down to small bookmakers. At the same time the subscription is
a heavy one and the entrance fee large. It is so large, indeed, that the
police have never been bold enough to raid the club, which is conducted
on the best principles. Betting on the tape goes on to an enormous
extent, and there on most afternoons of the racing season nearly all the
chief commission agents can be found. The club premises consist of a
billiard-room, dining-room, and smoking-room, the last fitted with