Birnie said nothing. He nodded his head, as much as to say,
‘I quite understand what you mean.’
‘For that service I have shown my gratitude in every way I can. I don’t want to refer to it more than I can help; but I think you have had no cause to charge me with a lack of appreciation.’
Birnie’s head implied, ‘Certainly not!’
‘You not only rendered me that great service, but you have always guarded my interests during my long absences, and you have kept me from being annoyed by those who might have been very troublesome.’
Dr. Birnie spoke for the first time.
‘My dear Gurth, don’t give me too much credit. If I have kept Heckett from worrying you, I have done so by giving him what he asked for. When Marston turned up, I thought it best to accede to his request, and lend him five hundred pounds for you. I have paid your money away judiciously, my dear fellow, that is all—that is all.’
Birnie shook his head deprecatingly, as though to shake from it the praise which was being undeservedly bestowed upon him.
‘I don’t care what you say, Birnie; you’ve always been a good old chum to me, and that’s why I don’t want to take an important step without asking your advice.’
‘My advice, Gurth, is always at your service.’