Cook was a practical person and apt to be a trifle unsympathetic. "He couldna be bothered with your blethering most likely!" said she. "Oh, it wasna that!" said Mary very seriously. "Just think yoursel' how would you like to be watched through the window at the dead of night as you were sitting in your chair? The master's feared of yon man, Janet!" Even Janet was a little impressed by her solemnity. "It must have taken something to make silent Simon feared!" said she. Mary's voice fell. "It's my opinion, the master knows more than he let on to me. The thought that came into my mind when he was talking to me was just--'The man feels he's being _watched_!'" "Oh, get along wi' you and your Hieland fancies!" said cook, but she said it a little uncomfortably. III THE HEIR At 9.45 precisely Mr. Rattar arrived at his office, just as he had arrived every morning since his clerks could remember. He nodded curtly as usual to his head clerk, Mr. Ison, and went into his room. His letters were always laid out on his desk and from twenty minutes to half an hour were generally spent by him in running through them. Then he would ring for Mr. Ison and begin to deal with the business of the day. But on this morning the bell went within twelve minutes, as Mr. Ison (a most precise person) noted on the clock. "Bring the letter book," said Mr. Rattar. "And the business ledger." "Letter book and business ledger?" repeated Mr. Ison, looking a little surprised. Mr. Rattar nodded. The head clerk turned away and then paused and glanced at the bundle of papers Mr. Rattar had brought back with him. He had expected these to be dealt with first thing. "About this Thomson business--" he began. "It can wait." The lawyer's manner was peremptory and the clerk fetched the letter book and ledger. These contained, between them, a record of all the recent business of the firm, apart from public business and the affairs of one large estate. What could be the reason for such a comprehensive examination, Mr. Ison could not divine, but Mr. Rattar never gave reasons unless he chose, and the clerk who would venture to ask him was not to be found on the staff of Silent Simon.