Humphrey and his nephew walked slowly away together. At the confines of the farmyard Rupert turned out of the road a little and pointed upwards to a window that faced the east. A white blind was drawn down over it. "That's father's room," he said. CHAPTER XVIII Jack Head entered the bar of 'The White Thorn,' and was glad to find Nathan Baskerville at home. "I don't want to drink, I want to talk," he said. "Then come into my room, Jack," answered the innkeeper, and Mr. Head followed him into a little chamber known as 'Mr. Nathan's office.' "I've got together another five pounds," explained the labourer, "and I know you'll do for me what you do for all--put it by with the rest. We come to you, Mr. Baskerville, and we trust you with our savings, for why? Because you ban't a lawyer. You're the poor man's bank, as I always say, and I only hope you get your fair share of good for all the money you put away to goody for us." "That's all right, Jack." Mr. Nathan produced a ledger and turned over the pages. "This makes twenty to you, and interest three-ten." He wrote a receipt and handed it to the other. "Wish I'd got your 'mazing head for figures; and so I should if I'd been properly eggicated." "I shall have some pretty big money on my hands before long, I'm afraid," said Nathan gloomily. "Doctor called coming back from Cadworthy. 'Tis all over with my poor brother, I'm afraid." "My stars--that mighty man to drop amongst us! Well, he's had a good life and full share of fortune." "His own folly has finished him too--that's the worst of it. Would be doing the young men's work, and did it once too often." "A fall, so they say. But none appear to know the rights seemingly." "Simple enough. Vivian was carrying oats, and slipped his foot on a frosty place. Down he came with the sack on his back. He went insensible; but by the time young Humphrey, who was along with him, had fetched help, Vivian had come to again. He crept in the house and up to his bed. ''Tis nought,' he told 'em, 'just a shake up; I'll be right in the morning.' But he wasn't. He couldn't rise, and felt a lot of pain to the inwards. Doctor won't be sure what's gone, but he reckons that the poor man's ruptured spleen or liver. Anyway, he's going. Fading out fast--and suffering, too." "Such a mountain as him. I suppose they can't reach the evil. And will all his affairs come down on your shoulders?" "That is so. Everything will have to be done by me. The boys know nought of business. He's a rich man--I know that." "A great responsibility, but no doubt you're up to it."