"They say it's not polite to ask questions about a man's past in this country," suggested Vassall with a playful air.
"Nor safe," put in Mrs. Worsley.
"Who cares for safety?" cried Linda. "I came North for adventures, and I mean to have them! Isn't he handsome?" she added wickedly.
The two men assented without enthusiasm.
Within the main tent Sir Bryson was seated at a table, looking the very pink of official propriety. There were several piles of legal documents and miscellaneous papers before him, with which he appeared to be busily occupied. It was noticeable that his chief concern was to have the piles arranged with mathematical precision. He never finished shaking and patting them straight. At first he ignored Jack. Handing some papers to Garrod, he said:
"These are now ready to be sent, Mr. Garrod. Please bear in mind my various instructions concerning them."
Garrod retired to another table. He proceeded to fold and enclose the various documents, but from the tense poise of his head it was clear that he followed all that was said.
Sir Bryson now affected to become aware of Jack's presence with a little start. He looked him up and down as one might regard a fine horse he was called on to admire. "So this is the young man who was of so much assistance to us this morning?" he said with a smile of heavy benignity.
Jack suppressed an inclination to laugh in his face.
"We are very much obliged to you, young sir—very," said Sir Bryson grandly.