still turned to the open door when Graylock stepped quietly across
the threshold; and Drene heard him, but closed his desk, leisurely,
and then, as leisurely, turned, knowing who had entered.

And so they stood alone together after many years.



V

Graylock looked at Drene's heavily sagging pocket and knew what was
in it. A sudden sweat chilled his temples, but he said steadily
enough:

"I'd like to say a word or two--if you'll give me time." And, as
Drene made no reply;--"You're quite right: This business of ours
should be finished one way or another. I can't stand it any longer."

"In that case," remarked Drene with an evil stare at him, "I may
postpone it--to find out how much you can stand." He dropped his
right hand into the sagging pocket, looking intently at Graylock all
the while:

"What do you want here anyway?"

"I fancy that you have already guessed."

"Maybe. All the same, what do you want?"--fumbling with his bulging
pocket for a moment and then remaining motionless.