"Oh, I'd heard a lot about you, sir," Raney answered.
"Lies from George?"
"No, sir. True talk from my father. My first term at Melton I turned you up in 'Whitaker.'"
"The 'London Directory' would have done as well," said Bertrand.
"Is it too late for me to call?"
"By no means. Were you too proud to come before?"
"Too superstitious, sir."
Bertrand leant forward and laid his hand on O'Rane's knee.
"George was talking about you to-night," he said. "I could have offered a helping hand, perhaps."
"Perhaps that was what I was afraid of, sir."