“Maybe you think I haven't suffered too. I've lain awake nights worrying over this.”
“Yes. For fear you might be found out.”
“I intended to look out for the girl, but she disappeared without letting me know where she was going. What could I do?” The lawyer was studying his face very carefully in the glass. “My face is a sight. It will be weeks before that eye is fit to be seen.”
Jeff turned away and left him. He walked to his rooms and found his uncle waiting for him. Robert Farnum had sold out his interests in Arkansas and returned to Verden with the intention of buying a small mill in the vicinity. Meanwhile he had the apartment next to the one used by his nephew.
“Seen anything of James lately?” he inquired as they started down the street to dinner.
“Yes. I saw him to-day. He's leaving town for a week or so.”
“On business, I suppose. He didn't mention it when I saw him Wednesday.”
“It's a matter that came up suddenly, I understand.”
The father agreed proudly. There were moments when he had doubts of James, but he always stifled them by remembering what a splendid success he was. “Probably something nobody else could attend to but him.”
“Exactly.”