“I think so, sir,” he answered grimly. “Do you feel a little better now, sir?”
“Yes, I’m all right. Tell me who handed you the letter you gave me just now?”
Tom described the appearance of the man in flannels.
“Did he say anything?”
“No, sir. Only asked me to be sure to give it to you the moment you returned, as it was very urgent. I was to give it to you myself, sir.”
He turned, opened a little cupboard in the corner, and took out a tantalus and a siphon.
“You had better drink this, sir,” and he handed his master a stiff brandy and soda.
“Thank you, Tom.”
When he had emptied the tumbler, Preston looked better.
“Miss Hagerston must know nothing about my being taken ill,” he said.