Perhaps, after all, a winter with Tom Coston was the wisest thing he could have done.
One other question now trembled on his lips.

It was one he felt he had no right to ask--not of Pawson--but it was his only opportunity, and he must know the truth if he was to carry out the other plans he had in view the day he dropped everything and came home without warning.

At last he asked casually: "Do you know whether my father returned to Uncle George the money he paid out for me ?" Not that it was important--more as if he wanted to be posted on current events.
"He tried, but Mr.Temple wouldn't take it.

I had the matter in hand, and know.

This was some three years ago.