Deane went to the office, and very soon they found themselves upon the third floor, in an apartment overlooking Northumberland Avenue, gorgeous with plush and gilt mirrors, stiffly arranged chairs, an ornate chiffonnier. Rowan, who had come up in the lift muttering to himself, but obviously anxious for silence from his two companions, threw himself, almost as the door closed, upon the hard couch. "I am broken!" he cried out. "I am broken!" Winifred sank on her knees by his side, her arms went round his neck. Deane turned away and walked to the window a little awkwardly. Somehow he felt that it would be taking a mean advantage if he should look into her face, though all the time he was longing to see if her eyes had really softened, if those lips were really trembling a little, lips that were pressed to her brother's forehead. "Basil," she whispered, "you mustn't! Bear up, please. Mr. Deane is here. He has come with me. Sit up and talk to him." Rowan pulled himself together. He sat up, and Deane, obeying a gesture from her, crossed the room once more. "Rowan," he said, "I am very sorry to see you like this." "It's my first day out," Rowan answered. "It's a little trying, you know, especially when the end is so near. I wanted just a few words with you, Deane. It is good of you to come." Deane nodded. "I only wish there was something I could do," he said. "There is nothing," answered Rowan. The girl turned away. "When you want me, Basil," she said softly, "I shall be in the next room." "You might have some brandy brought up," he said. "I must talk for a few minutes, and I am not feeling very strong." "I will ring the bell in the other room," she said, "and order it." She disappeared through the connecting door. Deane, who had found himself watching her slow, even progress, turned once more to the man who sat by his side. "I never thought I'd see you again," Rowan commenced. "I did my best, Deane. I made friends with Sinclair all right--he was glad enough to have anyone to drink with--and before long he began to tell me about his claim to the Little Anna Mine." "Did he believe in it?" asked Deane. "Absolutely," Rowan answered. "I am quite sure of that. He absolutely believed that directly he put it into the hands of any solicitor, you would have to come to him and buy, even though it cost you half your fortune. He was waiting those few days to see if you came." Deane nodded. "Tell me how it happened," he said.