"I'm sorry,"--and the lawyer's shrewd yet kindly eyes looked somewhat troubled--"I'm very sorry that my old friend hasn't taken you with him, Benson." Benson caught the ring of sympathetic interest in his voice and at once responded to it. "Well, sir, so am I!" he said heartily. "For Mr. Helmsley's over seventy, and he isn't as strong as he thinks himself to be by a long way. He ought to have some one with him. But he wouldn't hear of my going. He can be right down obstinate if he likes, you know, sir, though he is one of the best gentlemen to work for that ever lived. But he will have his own way, and, bad or good, he takes it." "Quite true!" murmured Sir Francis meditatively. "Very true!" A silence fell between them. "You say he isn't as strong as he thinks himself to be," began Vesey again, presently. "Surely he's wonderfully alert and active for his time of life?" "Why, yes, sir, he's active enough, but it's all effort and nerve with him now. He makes up his mind like, and determines to be strong, in spite of being weak. Only six months ago the doctor told him to be careful, as his heart wasn't quite up to the mark." "Ah!" ejaculated Sir Francis ruefully. "And did the doctor recommend any special treatment?" "Yes, sir. Change of air and complete rest." The lawyer's countenance cleared. "Then you may depend upon it that's why he has gone away by himself, Benson," he said. "He wants change of air, rest, and different surroundings. And as he won't have letters forwarded, and doesn't give any future address, I shouldn't wonder if he starts off yachting somewhere----" "Oh, no, sir, I don't think so," interposed Benson, "The yacht's in the dry dock, and I know he hasn't given any orders to have her got ready." "Well, well, if he wants change and rest, he's wise to put a distance between himself and his business affairs"--and Sir Francis here looked round for his hat and walking-stick. "Take me, for example! Why, I'm a different man when I leave this office and go home to lunch! I'm going now. I don't think--I really don't think there is any cause for uneasiness, Benson. Your master will let us know if there's anything wrong with him." "Oh, yes, sir, he'll be sure to do that. He said he would telegraph for me if he wanted me." "Good! Now, if you get any news of him before I do, or if you are anxious that I should attend to any special matter, you'll always find me here till one o'clock. You know my private address?" "Yes, sir." "That's all right. And when I go down to my country place for the summer, you can come there whenever your business is urgent. I'll settle all expenses with you." "Thank you, Sir Francis. Good-day!" "Good-day! A pleasant holiday to you!" Benson bowed his respectful thanks again, and retired.