"Bad light, I suppose," the young man nodded. "Still, it's rather surprising. Thanks, Mr. Laurence, I think that'll do. Goodnight, sir." "Oh, goodnight. Drop in whenever you feel like it." "I may." He moved toward the door then turned suddenly. "By the way, I've a message for you." "Yes?" "Pineapple." He spoke the word incisively. Richard shook his head. "Haven't the smallest idea what you mean," he said, "but not to seem lacking in appreciation, bananas or any other fruit you've a fancy for." The door opened and closed behind the three retreating forms and once again the room was plunged into darkness. The business of getting into bed was embarrassed by the constant reverses of light into darkness and back again. There appeared to be no specified period for either--sometimes the light would burn ten minutes--sometimes two and sometimes would merely flash up and down. A more successful irritant could hardly have been devised. The shock of the extreme contrast was in itself enough to infuriate an ordinary individual. Richard would gladly have accepted total darkness in preference to the blinding changes. This, however, was no part of his tormentors' programme--it was clearly evident they intended to prey upon his nerves as actively as possible. He reflected that no doubt many other devices were in preparation to induce him to speak. There was this talk of pineapple which appeared to carry with it some kind of threat. "Pineapple. Why the deuce should pineapple loosen a man's tongue?" he said aloud as he struggled into a pair of pyjamas that had been laid on the bed. "Might make his mouth water perhaps but----" At this particular moment the lights came on and he was able to finish undressing and nip between the sheets before the darkness fell again. He observed with satisfaction that there was nothing funny about the bed. It was soft and "cushy" and there were ample coverings. It was vastly more comfortable than the bench which had supported him during the preceding nights and this in itself was something to be grateful for. After all, even if these earnest financiers perpetrated a few ill-humoured practical jokes upon him he was being absurdly overpaid to endure them.