"Has he gone there to live?"
"Well, he's there."
"I saw him some time ago about the state of his health, and, frankly, Mr. Mudd, it's serious."
Mudd nodded.
"Tell me," said Oppenshaw, "has he been buying new clothes?"
"Heaps; no end," said Mudd. "And such clothes—things he's never worn before."
"So? Well, it's fortunate you found him. What is his conversation like? Have you talked to him much?"
"I haven't seen him yet," Mudd explained.
"Well, stay close to him, and be very careful. He is suffering from a form of mental upset. You must cross him as little as possible, use persuasion, gentle persuasion. The thing will run its course. It mustn't be suddenly checked."
"Is he mad?" asked the other.