"That's all you know about it," nodded Austin, wise-eyed, smoking
steadily. "And all I have to say is that it's fortunate for everybody
that I stood my ground when he came around looking for trouble. For
you're just the sort of a man, Phil, who'd be likely to strip yourself
if that young cub came howling for somebody to pay his debts of honour.
Admit it, now; you know you are."
But Selwyn only smiled and looked into the fire.
After a few moments' silence Austin said curiously: "You're a frugal
bird. You used to be fastidious. Do you know that coat of yours is
nearly the limit?"
"Nonsense," said Selwyn, colouring.
"It is. . . . What do you do with your money? Invest it, of course; but
you ought to let me place it. You never spend any; you should have a
decent little sum tucked away by this time. Do your Chaosite experiments
cost anything now?"
"No; the Government is conducting them."
"Good business. What does the bally Government think of the powder,
now?"
"I can't tell yet," said Selwyn listlessly.
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