"
"If I am likely to be of the slightest use I shall be delighted," said
I, which indeed was perfectly true.
Whilst I had willingly agreed to accompany Harley to Norfolk I had none
of his passion for the piscatorial art, and the promise of novel
excitement held out by Colonel Menendez appealed to me more keenly than
the lazy days upon the roads which Harley loved.
"Gentlemen"--the Colonel bowed profoundly--"I am honoured and
delighted. When you shall have heard my story I know what your decision
will be."
He resumed his seat, and began, it seemed almost automatically, to roll
a fresh cigarette.
"I am all attention," declared Harley, and his glance strayed again in
a wondering fashion to the bat wing lying on his table.
"I will speak briefly," resumed our visitor, "and any details which may
seem to you to be important can be discussed later when you are my
guests. You must know then that I first became acquainted with the
significance belonging to the term 'Bat Wing' and to the object itself
some twenty years ago."
"But surely," interrupted Harley, incredulously, "you are not going to
tell me that the menace of which you complain is of twenty years'
standing?"
"At your express request, Mr.
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