tay a day or two, if you're
not busy; I can get you some shooting, and we can talk over any points
that seem to require it at leisure."

Singleton sat silent a moment. He wanted to come back, and he did not
believe the concession could be profitably worked by any usual methods.
For all that, he thought he could make something of the property; it
was not altogether worthless, though it would require exceptional
treatment.

"Perhaps that would be better," he replied, "I should be delighted to
make another visit."

Herbert took up the paper and looked at Singleton with a smile as he
flung it into the fire.

"Now I think we'll go down," he said. "Mrs. Lansing will be waiting
for us."

Singleton spent the remainder of the evening with great content,
talking to Sylvia. When she left him, Herbert met her in the hall.

"Thanks," he smiled meaningly. "Did you find the man interesting?"

"To some extent," returned Sylvia; "he's a type that's new to me.
Still, of course, he's a little raw, and inclined to be serious. I
think one could see too much of him."

"He's coming down again in a week."

"Oh!" said Sylvia, with signs of protest. "And after that?"

Herbert laughed.

"I don't think he'll make a third visit."

CHAPTER XVI

A FORCED RETIREMENT

Singleton came down again to Brantholme, bringing his amended report,
which met with Herbert's approval. He spent one wet day walking
through turnip fields and stubble in search of partridges, and two
delightful evenings with Mrs. Lansing and Sylvia, and then he was
allowed to depart. He had served his purpose, and Herbert was glad to
get rid of him. Lansing generally found it desirable to drop men for
whom he had no more use; but he had not done with Singleton.

A day or two later, after his guest had left, Herbert sat in his office
in a busy town with an open ledger in front of him. He looked
thoughtful, and, as a matter of fact, he was reviewing the latter part
of his business career, which had been marked by risks, boldly faced,
but attended by keen anxiety. Though his wife had some money, Lansing
had been hampered by lack of capital, and George's money had been
placed at his disposal at a very opportune time. It had enabled him to
carry the rubber company over what might have proved a crisis, and thus
strengthen his position as director, by purchasing sufficient shares on
George's account to keep the price from falling and defeat the
intrigues o