“Yes,” said Dick with embarrassment. “It comes to that.”
Stuyvesant looked hard at him. “You must recognize that this is a pretty good job, and you’re not likely to get another without Fuller’s recommendation. Then I understand you were up against it badly when he first got hold of you. You’re young and ought to be ambitious, and you have your chance to make your mark right here.”
“It’s all true,” Dick answered doggedly. “Still, I can’t go.”
“Then it must be something very important that makes you willing to throw up your job.”
Dick did not answer and, to his surprise, Stuyvesant smiled as he resumed: “It’s England first, with you?”
“How did you guess? How much do you know?” Dick asked sharply.
“I don’t know very much. Your throwing out the wine gave me a hint, because it was obvious that somebody had been getting after you before, and there were other matters. But you’re rather young and I suspect you’re up against a big thing.”
“I’m afraid I can’t tell you about it yet, if that is what you mean.”
“Very well. Stay here, as usual, if you like, or if you want a week off, take it. I’ll find a suitable reason for not sending you in the launch.”
“Thanks!” said Dick, with keen gratitude, and Stuyvesant, who nodded pleasantly, went away.