“He was a broken man when he went away, Robert. He wanted to go to some distant country, where he could relieve his mind from all his worries.
“He was old, Robert, but I believe that he would have recuperated some of his losses if he had returned. But that was not to be—”
Mallory paused speculatively as he stood by the doorway. He glanced at his watch and smiled at the lateness of the hour.
“Half past eleven,” he said. “I am usually in bed by ten o’clock. I must go. I shall see you again, Robert.”
“Good night,” replied Bob. “I’m certainly glad you dropped in, Mr. Mallory. I’ll turn in myself — after I’ve gone over those papers on the desk. That will mean an hour’s work, at least.”
Alone, in the gloom of the oak-paneled room, Bob lost himself in the work before him.
He had come away from South Africa rather hurriedly; but on the boat he had attended to all details. He had only these final matters left. As soon as they were finished, there would be no reason for him to worry about the affairs that he had left.
Bob worked quickly. It required less time than he had anticipated. The old clock in the hallway was striking twelve when he completed his labors.
His own business ended, Bob began to study some documents that Hodgson had laid on the desk. They referred to his uncle’s affairs, but were of minor importance.
While Bob was considering these, he became conscious of a slight noise behind him. He swung in his swivel chair, expecting to see Hodgson.