“Very good, sir,” Grant agreed meekly.
“And if you are questioned again——”
For the first time in his life, Morton Grant interrupted an employer. And he did it brusquely and with determined self-assertion.
“I shall say that I have seen nothing of Mr. Hugh—absolutely nothing.”
Hugh went to him with outstretched hand; but Helen was there first.
“Oh yes, that’s fine—fine,” Stephen said briskly.
Helen caught Grant’s arm in her hands, and thanked him without a word—with swimming eyes. But Hugh spoke.
“Thank you, Grant.”
Grant paid no attention to Stephen Pryde, and Helen he gave but an embarrassed scant look. Hugh’s hand he took in his. He was much affected, and the old voice shook.
“Mr. Hugh—I want you to know—I’ve always wanted you to know—that telling Mr. Bransby about the—about the shortage—was the hardest thing I ever did. But I had to do it.”