"I think it would be well if we all thought over this by ourselves. Then
we can renew the subject."




CHAPTER VII--OOLANGA


Mr. Salton had an appointment for six o'clock at Liverpool. When he had
driven off, Sir Nathaniel took Adam by the arm.

"May I come with you for a while to your study? I want to speak to you
privately without your uncle knowing about it, or even what the subject
is. You don't mind, do you? It is not idle curiosity. No, no. It is
on the subject to which we are all committed."

"Is it necessary to keep my uncle in the dark about it? He might be
offended."

"It is not necessary; but it is advisable. It is for his sake that I
asked. My friend is an old man, and it might concern him unduly--even
alarm him. I promise you there shall be nothing that could cause him
anxiety in our silence, or at which he could take umbrage."

"Go on, sir!" said Adam simply.

"You see, your uncle is now an old man. I know it, for we were boys
together. He has led an uneventful and somewhat self-contained life, so