"Paul, old man," he said on a questioning note, "can't you speak to a fellow? Jove! what wouldn't I give for a good square look at you! It's poor work consorting with folk who only exist from the waist downward. You've not got to be running off anywhere else, have you?"
"No; I am quite free."
"Come on then, for Heaven's sake, dear chap! I have been wanting you all the morning."
The direct appeal, the pathos of his shattered vigour, and the irresistible friendliness of words and tone dispelled all possibility of doubt, or of sitting in judgment. Whatever appearances might suggest, Paul stood ready to swear, through thick and thin, to the integrity of his friend.
He came forward at once; and Desmond, cavalierly ousting Rob, made room for him on the lower end of his chair.
[29] Commander-in-Chief.