"It may come to that," said Cairns. "If Burrows does not speedily do something for Grey Town, we shall need a new member. May I introduce Mr. Quirk, a new resident and a live citizen?"
Denis Quirk and the doctor shook hands, each regarding the other curiously the while.
"An insurance agent," said the doctor in the half-audible tone he sometimes adopted.
To this the others replied with a laugh.
"No fear, doctor!" cried Cairns. "Am I the man to take a mean advantage of you? We have come here to consult you—not professionally, but as one who knows this district, alive and dead."
"None better," said Dr. Marsh.
They followed him into a cosy and orderly surgery, and sat down at his bidding. For his part, the doctor leaned up against the mantelpiece, one elbow resting on the marble and one arm free.
"Now, then, what is it?" he asked.
"We are contemplating a venture," said Denis Quirk—"a newspaper in opposition to 'The Observer.'"
Dr. Marsh shook his head emphatically, frowning the while at Denis Quirk.