Pratt looked up suddenly, but his face did not change. "I'll see Mrs Gabriel," he said calmly. "If she has said anything to the vicar likely to do you harm, I'll get her to tell me. I have known her for many years, Leo, and she often takes my advice."
"I know. She has the very highest opinion of you, Pratt," said the innocent Leo; whereat Pratt chuckled.
"I'll tell you what," he said. "I'll speak to Mrs Gabriel about your debts at the same time."
"No; don't do that!" cried Leo in alarm. "You will only weaken my position with her. I want to settle these debts without her knowledge. I can raise the money, as I told you. Later on, when she comes round, I can get her to give me the sum and settle. She will surely do that when she hears that I have enlisted."
"I daresay. In fact, I'm sure she will," said Pratt, with his queer smile. "Who is going to lend you the money meantime?"
"I can't tell you that, Mr Pratt," said Leo, with dignity.
"You might tell it to a worse person," said Pratt, rather offended. "However, keep your secret; I'll do what I can."
"Don't be offended, Pratt. Indeed, as soon as possible I'll tell you."
"There! There! Don't make a fuss over it," he said testily. "I know you are not such a fool as people think you are. And to tell you the truth, Leo, if you can pay these debts independently of Mrs Gabriel, I fancy she will think all the more of you. I don't offer to help you myself, because if she asks me I want to be able to say 'no' for reasons which I will explain later. But I tell you what, Leo. If, when you get these matters settled and enlist, Mrs Gabriel won't come round, I'll give you the money myself to repay the loan, and fit you out for South Africa."
"You are indeed a friend," cried Leo, with emotion, and the two men shook hands. They understood each other very well.