"I didn't know so much.

Where had he been, then ?" "God knows!" said he.

"And himself.

It was said he was a doctor in London, and in foreign parts.

Him and his brother--elder brother, you're aware, Mr.Michael--they both quarrelled with the old baronet when they were little more than lads, and out they cleared, going their own ways.
And news of Michael's death, and the proofs of it, came home not so long before old Sir Alec died, and as Michael had never married, of course the younger brother succeeded when his father came to his end last winter.
And, as I say, who knows anything about his past doings when he was away more than thirty years, nor what company he kept, nor what secrets he has?
Do you follow me ?" "Aye, I'm following you, Mr.Crone," I answered.