"I'll go out to Dulwich with you myself now. I think that will be the best thing."
The three men rose and walked to Ludgate Hill railway station.
CHAPTER V.
[PRINGLE UNANSWERED.]
When the three men arrived at Dulwich, they went straight to Carlingford House, where Mr. Paulton lived. The owner was in. Some years ago he had retired from business in the City, and now interested himself in local affairs, his garden, his horses, and reading. He was bluff, white-haired, stout, brief of speech, straightforward, kindly. He was not quite sixty yet, notwithstanding his white hair.
Just as they got into the house he was crossing the hall. He paused, and held out his hand cordially to Jerry O'Brien.
"What lucky wind has blown you here at such an hour?" he cried. "You are just too late for luncheon; but I dare say they'll be able to find something for you and Alfred, and----"
He now became aware the third man was a stranger, and stopped.
Young Paulton introduced the solicitor, and then all four went into a little library on the right hand side of the hall. Alfred felt acutely the difficulty of his position, and he found himself completely at a loss to explain the situation to his father. Then it occurred to him to appeal to O'Brien for help.
"Jerry," said he, "tell the governor all about it."