“Thank you,” said Wrigley. “I will not detain you long.”
“What is it, sir? Sturgess worse?” said the Doctor.
“Oh, no! The fellow is, thanks to you, Doctor, growing stronger and more impudent every day. The fact is, gentlemen, I have come over to see Mr Clive Reed. His brother is waiting down by the river. He would not come in, as they are not on good terms.”
The Major frowned.
“As I am Mr Clive Reed’s doctor, sir, I have a right to ask you what you want with him.”
“Simple matter of business, sir. I want him to come over and inspect the mine.”
“Not fit, sir. Too weak,” said the Doctor sternly. “Bless my soul! my dear boy, are you mad?”
“I hope not, Doctor,” said Clive, as he entered the room, looking very white, but quite able to dispense with the stick he held in his hand.
“Glad to see you about again, Mr Reed,” said Wrigley at once, and he held out his hand; but it was not taken. “Mr Reed, I have come on behalf of the shareholders in the ‘White Virgin’ mine.”
“Including yourself, sir, and Mr Jessop Reed?” said Clive coldly.