Adam Salton came next--after a gap; for against him Caswall had no direct animosity.

He regarded him as an interference, a difficulty to be got rid of or destroyed.

The young Australian had been so discreet that the most he had against him was his knowledge of what had been.

Caswall did not understand him, and to such a nature as his, ignorance was a cause of alarm, of dread.
Caswall resumed his habit of watching the great kite straining at its cord, varying his vigils in this way by a further examination of the mysterious treasures of his house, especially Mesmer's chest.

He sat much on the roof of the tower, brooding over his thwarted passion.