The old man motioned him to an easy chair, and going over to a cupboard, produced a decanter of whisky and a box of cigars.
"We can have a peaceful and comfortable talk here, doctor," he remarked, as he sat down near Bryce, after fetching glasses and soda-water.

"I live all alone, like a hermit--my bit of work's done by a woman who only looks in of a morning.

So we're all by ourselves.

Light your cigar!--same as that I gave you at Barthorpe.

Um--well, now," he continued, as Bryce settled down to listen.