I'm no church-goer, but if
I remember right we were taught to pray the good Lord to deliver us
especially 'in all times of our wealth,' which is followed by something
about tribulation and sudden death, for when they wrote that prayer the
wheel of human fortune went round just as it does to-day. There, let's
get out of this before I grow superstitious, as men who believe in
nothing sometimes do, because after all they must believe in something,
I suppose. Got your hat and coat? So have I, come on," and he switched
off the light, so that the room was left in darkness except for the
faint glimmering of the fire.
His partner grumbled audibly, for in turning he had knocked his hand
against the desk.
"Leave me my only economy, Haswell," he answered with a hard little
laugh. "Electricity is strength and I hate to see strength burning to
waste. Why do you mind?" he went on as he stepped towards the door.
"Is it the contrast? In all times of our wealth, in all times of our
tribulation, from sickness and from sudden death----"
"Good Lord deliver us," chimed in Mr. Haswell in a shaking voice behind
him. "What the devil's that?"
Sir Robert looked round and saw, or thought that he saw, something very
strange.
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