"I am sorry to say," the other said after a moment, "that Canada did not agree with my health, and I assure you that I made the five hundred go as far as possible."
"All that may be very interesting to yourself and friends—if you have any."
"You, Mr. Bullard, are my sole friend."
Bullard grinned. "If you imagine I'm going to be a friend in need, you are mightily mistaken!"
"Please don't be nasty, Mr. Bullard—"
"Leave my name alone, and clear out. Time's up." Bullard turned to a pile of letters.
"This is a blow," murmured Marvel, "a sad blow. But I would remind you that the five hundred was not a gift, but a payment for certain documents."
"Quite so. And it closed our acquaintance. Go!"
"I wonder if it did. One moment. I desire to return once more to South
Africa. Things are looking up there again. With five hundred pounds—"
"That's enough. I'm busy."