"Yes, it's bad—and yet it might have been worse. Read it. Don't go,
Caw—or rather, ask the messenger to wait—"
"We'll ring for you, Caw," said Alan.
The message in his hand ran on to a second sheet, and was as follows:
"Father has heard of Alan's return from B. The shock was too much, but though weak he is very glad. But I fear for him. Tell Alan whatever you think desirable. This is a last resort. Reply Queen's Road P.O.
"DORIS."
In Alan's heart an angry question flared up and went out. Why this appeal to Teddy? Nay, enough that she needed help. Besides, she might not have felt at liberty to address him direct. He looked up with a tender expression and met his friend's eye—good honest eyes that were bound to betray a secret such as Teddy's…. It struck Alan then that his return to home life might have consequences more momentous than he had dreamed of. With a slight flush on his tanned skin he went back to his chair by the fire, and, motioning Teddy to one opposite, said:—
"Just do what Doris says, old man. Tell me whatever you think desirable, and no more. And before you begin, I'll remind you that in all our talk to-day I have never once uttered a word against Lancaster. The man has been simply the victim, the tool, of Bullard. Caw thinks the same, and my uncle said as much just before he died. You and I know that he is no villain. And why delay sending an answer to this wire? There can be only one answer. You'll find forms on the table."
"Won't you send it, Alan?"
"I'll send one to Lancaster himself."
"Better not."