You have time and strength for the greatest of all tasks. Find
some other excuse, sir, if you talk of laying down the sword and picking
up the shuttle."
He looked back seawards. His eyes were following the flight of a
seagull, wheeling in the sunlight.
"I suppose you are right," he acknowledged. "No man is too old for
work."
"I beg your pardon, sir."
They turned abruptly around. They had been so engrossed that they had
not noticed the sound of footsteps. Robert, a little out of breath, was
standing at attention. There was a disturbed look in his face, a tremor
in his voice.
"I beg your pardon, sir," he repeated, "there is--some one here to see
you."
"Some one?" Tallente repeated impatiently.
Robert leaned a little forward. The effort at lowering his voice only
made his hoarse whisper sound more agitated.
"A police inspector, sir, from Barnstaple, is waiting in the study."
CHAPTER IV
Mr Inspector Gillian of Barnstaple had no idea of denying his
profession. He had travelled over in a specially hired motor-car, and
he was wearing his best uniform.
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