To be sure, he had only to reflect a moment to see the foolishness of his misgiving; yet, had he thought of it before-- He, too, was perhaps a little overstrung in the nerves.

Not for the first time, he mentally threw a malediction at business, and all its sordid appurtenances.
A change came over Sherwood.

His smile grew more natural; his eye lost its fixity; he puffed at his cigar with enjoyment.
"What news of Franks ?" were his next words.
"Nothing very good," answered Will, frowning.

"He seems to be still playing the fool.

I've seen him only once in the last fortnight, and then it was evident he'd been drinking.