“You can stop right there,” I said, with emotion. “I know what you want me to do. You want me to come along with you, disguised in a top-hat and a stethoscope, and explain to these people that I am a Harley Street specialist, and have been sounding you and have discovered that you are in the last stages of heart-disease.” “Nothing of the kind, old man, nothing of the kind. I wouldn’t dream of asking you to do anything like that.” “Yes, you would, if you had happened to think of it.” “Well, as a matter of fact, since you mention it,” said Ukridge, thoughtfully, “it wouldn’t be a bad scheme. But if you don’t feel like taking it on——” “I don’t.” “Well, then, all I want you to do is to come to Balbriggan at about nine. Supper will be over by then. No sense,” said Ukridge, thoughtfully, “in missing supper. Come to Balbriggan at about nine, ask for me, and tell me in front of the gang that my aunt is dangerously ill.” “What’s the sense in that?” “You aren’t showing that clear, keen intelligence of which I have often spoken so highly, Corky. Don’t you see? The news is a terrible shock to me. It bowls me over. I clutch at my heart——” “They’ll see through it in a second.” “I ask for water——” “Ah, that’s a convincing touch. That’ll make them realise you aren’t yourself.” “And after awhile we leave. In fact, we leave as quickly as we jolly well can. You see what happens? I have established the fact that my heart is weak, and in a few days I write and say I’ve been looked over and the wedding must unfortunately be off because——” “Damned silly idea!” “Corky my boy,” said Ukridge gravely, “to a man as up against it as I am no idea is silly that looks as if it might work. Don’t you think this will work?” “Well, it might, of course,” I admitted. “Then I shall have a dash at it. I can rely on you to do your part?” “How am I supposed to know that your aunt is ill?” “Perfectly simple. They ’phoned from her house, and you are the only person who knows where I’m spending the evening.” “And will you swear that this is really all you want me to do?” “Absolutely all.” “No getting me there and letting me in for something foul?” “My dear old man!” “All right,” I said. “I feel in my bones that something’s going to go wrong, but I suppose I’ve got to do it.” “Spoken like a true friend,” said Ukridge.