Jack was keen enough to see that this was not quite an adequate account of the matter. He saw that Cheriton was deeply moved in some way; but he was so unfit for discussion just then, that Jack thought the best course was to hurry off on his errand.
He came back in about half-an-hour, looking very serious—too much so to be ready to improve the occasion.
“Alvar has given old Bill warning—do you know that?”
“No. What was that for?” cried Cheriton, starting up.
“He would not speak a word to me, and Chris had gone off to his brother’s; but John Symonds told me what had passed.” Here Jack repeated the story of the ointment, old Bill’s disobedience, and Chris’s declaration that it had been done by Cheriton’s orders.
Cheriton’s face cleared a little.
“Ah, I understand now. No wonder Alvar was vexed! I can explain that easily. But old Bill, it was very unjustifiable; but if Alvar will not overlook it I do believe it will kill him.”
“I don’t see what he would have to live on,” said Jack. “You know that bad son spent his savings. But Alvar will let him off if you ask him, I daresay.”
“I think you had better do so,” said Cheriton quietly.
At this moment Alvar came into the room, and Cheriton addressed him at once.