Loring sat with his chin on his knees, perpending his next words. I took occasion to ask how O'Rane spent his precious afternoons.
"In the library mostly. Sometimes in the town hall. Old man Burgess gave me leave."
"What in the name of fortune d'you find to do there?" I asked.
"It's the only place hereabouts where they keep continental papers. I've got some leeway to make up."
We sat in silence till the saucepan boiled, and Loring started handing round the cocoa.
"Then we're to have a repetition of this business every ten days till you get into the Sixth? Tell me—frankly—are you enjoying yourself here?"
"Reckon I didn't come here to enjoy myself."
Loring sighed impatiently.
"Do, for the Lord's sake, stick to the question," he said.
O'Rane's lips curled in a sneer that was almost audible before he spoke.