Merefleet had never before spoken so openly to him.

He realised that the man's loneliness must oppress him heavily indeed thus to master his reserve.
"What news ?" said Merefleet, after a pause.
"Nothing," said Clinton.

"Plague on the Continent.

Railway mishap on the Great Northern.

Another American Disaster." "What's that ?" said Merefleet with a touch of interest.
"Electric car accident.