Mallory spoke a kindly word to Hodgson. Then he and Bob entered the study and closed the door. It was nearly dinner time when Mallory departed.
Bob Galvin dined alone that evening. Hodgson waited on him and the old man’s face was grim. Bob did not appear to notice him during the meal.
In the evening, there was a visitor — the man who wore the black cap. It was after ten o’clock when he went away. Bob returned alone to the study.
It was then that Hodgson entered. He was close by the desk when Bob heard his footsteps. The young man swung about in his chair.
Hodgson, a look of grim determination on his face, was standing near. In his trembling hand the old servant held a revolver.
Bob Galvin gripped the arms of the chair. He was startled, even though Hodgson could not detect the expression that came over his face.
“What’s this, Hodgson?” demanded Bob. “Put down that gun! Understand?”
“You will go away from here!” declared Hodgson, in a quavering voice. “Go away — and do not come back! You do not belong here. You are not the man you claim to be—”
“That’s nonsense, Hodgson,” interrupted Bob Galvin. “Give me that gun and get out of here!”
“You must go away!” repeated Hodgson, voice quavering but determined. “I have suspected you ever since that night you went out with another man. You are not Robert Galvin—”