"Well, you two boys haven't seen one another for a long time. I shall leave you to have a yarn. Teddie will show you your quarters when you want to go to bed."
"Oh, but I wasn't thinking of spending the night, Mr Jackson," said Bateman.
"You'll find it more comfortable. We'll see that you're called in good time."
Then with a courteous shake of the hand, stately as though he were a bishop in canonicals, Arnold Jackson took leave of his guest.
"Of course I'll drive you back to Papeete if you like," said Edward, "but I advise you to stay. It's bully driving in the early morning."
For a few minutes neither of them spoke. Bateman wondered how he should begin on the conversation which all the events of the day made him think more urgent.
"When are you coming back to Chicago?" he asked, suddenly.
For a moment Edward did not answer. Then he turned rather lazily to look at his friend and smiled.
"I don't know. Perhaps never."
"What in heaven's name do you mean?" cried Bateman.