At the desk in Alan's living-room sat Rossland, when the door opened behind him and the master of the range came in.

He was not disturbed when he saw who it was, and rose to meet him.

His coat was off, his sleeves rolled up, and it was evident he was making no effort to conceal his freedom with Alan's books and papers.
He advanced, holding out a hand.

This was not the same Rossland who had told Alan to attend to his own business on board the _Nome_.

His attitude was that of one greeting a friend, smiling and affable even before he spoke.