Chapter 17
THE TRUTH ABOUT THE "LOLA"Throughout the long night I called many times at the hospital,
but the reply was always the same. Jack had not regained
consciousness, and the doctor regarded his case as hopeless.
In the morning I drove in hot haste to Bassett Road, Notting
Hill, and at the address Olinto had given me found Muriel. When she
entered the room with folding doors into which I had been shown, I
saw that she was pale and apprehensive, for we had not met since
her flight, and she was, no doubt, at a loss for an explanation.
But I did not press her for one. I merely told her that the Italian
Santini had given me her address and that I came as bearer of
unfortunate news.
"What is it?" she gasped quickly.
"It concerns Captain Durnford," I replied. "He has been injur
