"
"Decidedly."
"And then I'll make him one."
The corners of Mr. Finch's mouth twitched perceptibly.
"Gently, dear sir! Remember, please, that I am only concerned with
the immediate situation. To-morrow I start again for Bristol,
leaving the future to be dealt with as your prudence may direct.
But I have no doubt," he added, with a bow "that you will act, in all
contingencies, with a single eye to the child's welfare. It is
understood, then, that the child, Tristram Salt, remains under the
care of Captain Barker, your friend, and his adoptive father--"
"Not at all."
"I think so," said Dr. Beckerleg quietly, looking straight into the
Captain's eyes.
"That's for me to decide, Doctor."
"Tut, tut! it was decided the moment you were born."
"I think," Mr. Finch interposed, "it is time I gave Captain Runacles
some necessary information about the boy's inheritance."
It was close upon four o'clock when the little blue door which, until
that morning, had remained shut for over four years was opened a
second time and Captain Runacles stepped through into Captain
Barker's domain. His wig was carefully brushed and he carried a
gold-headed cane. Whatever emotion he may have felt was concealed by
the upright carriage and solemn pace proper to a visit of state.
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