'Oh, that's all right,' said Mike thickly. There seemed to be something
sticking in his throat, preventing him from speaking.

'If there was any possible way--'

'No, it's all right, father, really. I don't mind a bit. It's awfully
rough luck on you losing all that.'

There was another silence. The clock ticked away energetically on the
mantelpiece, as if glad to make itself heard at last. Outside, a
plaintive snuffle made itself heard. John, the bull-dog, Mike's
inseparable companion, who had followed him to the study, was getting
tired of waiting on the mat. Mike got up and opened the door. John
lumbered in.

The movement broke the tension.

'Thanks, Mike,' said Mr Jackson, as Mike started to leave the room,
'you're a sportsman.'




3. The New Era Begins


Details of what were in store for him were given to Mike next morning.
During his absence at Ilsworth a vacancy had been got for him in that
flourishing institution, the New Asiatic Bank; and he was to enter upon
his duties, whatever they might be, on the Tuesday of the following