‘So far as the forgery is concerned, that is all.’
‘Ah.... I see more. Maybe we can get back a little of the waste. No saying. Worth trying. Anyhow, we can have a grin at the beggars who thought us bigger fools than we looked. That’s what we’ve got to work for.’
‘I don’t quite see what advantage we are to obtain in that way.’
‘Clear enough, though. We recover a part of what is lost—maybe the greater part. Don’t give Wrentham or your brother a hint till you see me again. Go on with your arrangements as if you had heard nothing.’
‘Very well, since it is your wish. Meanwhile, I shall get another bed fitted up here, so that you can occupy it as soon as you are obliged to leave the hotel. We’ll manage to keep on the chambers somehow.’
‘All right,’ said Shield, nodding his head heavily. ‘But you don’t know what you are bringing on yourself. I’m fond of that.’
He pointed with his cigar to the brandy bottle. Philip gave his shoulders an impatient jerk; he had no need for this confession.
‘I hope not too fond, sir; although it is easy to understand how a man leading such a solitary life as yours has been may contract the habit of looking for comfort from that false friend. But if it be so, then it is better you should be with me than with strangers.’
‘Kind—very kind. I thank you. And now that I’ve given you all this bad news, here’s a bit of good news. Found an old friend of mine—takes interest in everything. Says he’ll make an offer for the works if on investigation he finds anything practicable in your scheme. More; if he finds that your failure is not due to negligence, he’ll make you an offer for your services as manager of some sort.’
This was indeed good news, and Philip’s eyes brightened with pleasure; but his first thought was for others.