“For a time, at all events, I expect to carry on. I can trust Marsden, and Harry’s useful. He thinks about getting married. Perhaps you know?”
Alan frowned. “Since I can’t meddle, I’m not interested. Harry’s my wife’s relation and your secretary; but I don’t like the fellow. Why don’t you send for Kit? He’s your man.”
“Kit is my Canadian competitors’ man.”
“If I didn’t know your cleverness, I’d think you a fool!” Alan rejoined. “You don’t, after all, believe Kit sold the shipyard’s plans and joined the construction company in order to spite you?”
“I do not. I think I’m logical.”
“Then you ought to bring the boy back and give him a fresh chance. He’s an engineer and your nephew. In some respects he’s strangely like you.”
“I know where to wait,” said Jasper in a meaning voice.
“But I don’t see——”
“Oh, well, for one thing, Kit has not yet tried his powers. He’s good stuff, but he’s raw, untempered stuff and hasn’t felt the fire and the hammer. At the Canadian bridge he’ll no doubt be forced to take some knocks. Well, I’d sooner you didn’t talk about it to your wife, and I’m tired. You might call my man.”
Alan admitted Jasper’s argument was plausible, but he knew his brother, and fancied he had not told him all. He went to look for the servant, and they wheeled Jasper to the house.