Alf with the curious simplicity that often threw his cunning into relief signed the receipt quite unabashed and with evident relief.
"See, I need the money, sir," he said gravely, as he wiped the pen on his sleeve. "The Syndicate's let me in—O, you wouldn't believe! And I got to meet me creditors somehow."
"Well, you've got the money now," answered Mr. Trupp. "But I'm afraid you've made an enemy. And that seems to me a bit of a pity just now."
"Colonel Lewknor?" snorted Alf. "I ain't afraid o him!"
"I don't know," said Mr. Trupp. "It's the day of the soldier."
That evening, after the day's work, Alf was summoned to his employer's study.
Mrs. Trupp was leaving it as he entered.
"I've been thinking things over, Alfred," said the old man. "There's no particular reason why you shouldn't drive for me for the present if you like—until you're wanted out there. But I shall want you to destroy this."
He handed his chauffeur Ruth's notice to quit.
Alf tore the paper up without demur.