The Treasure of Netherstrand

Chapter 52

"Well, there it is, old man!" Rory said, slapping Hannover's mail down on the table with a perky smile.

"You're sure this is all of it?" his master asked with his usual snide severity.

"Every piece, sir! Except for the letter Sebastian took. Now ain't that an odd fing! Sebastian gettin' letters! Did ya ever imagine it? The old man's such a crow he ain't got a soul who's ever cared t' write 'im afore! Can't fink who would start now."

"I am sure it is none of my business and none of my concern. But do you know what is?" Hannover said with a disgruntled huff. "You have crumpled and soiled my letters! What do you do to them? Crush them in your hands while you are dawdling in town? Drop them in the mud?" He clicked his tongue in a scolding way and shook his head. "I will be glad to have Timothy back. He was ten times more efficient than you are, Rory Bristol! Even so, thank you."

"Some fanks that is!" Rory laughed. "But yer welcome all the same. An' 'ow's the little chap, Timothy, this mornin'?"

Hannover's studying face brightened, and for a moment, he forgot everything about business. "Quite well," he answered. "I believe he should be well enough to leave his room presently. And do you know, I think I shan't stay in this stuffy hotel much longer! I am tired of business. And every time I see the ocean, it...it makes me recall things I wish I could forget. I am going on a holiday!"

Hannover liked his decision. He knew that, if he had wanted to, he could have shut down his hotel and his inn without fear. He had enough money to spend the rest of his days going from one scenic place to another on a sightseeing adventure. But somehow, that seemed too selfish, too vain. He shied away from frivolous spending. He tried not to even think about how wealthy he had suddenly become. When he felt tempted to admire his treasure, he made an effort to give his money back into God's hands and to set his affections on things above instead.

But a holiday wouldn't be completely selfish. It was more for Timothy's sake than his own. The joy Hannover would find in the excursion would come from watching Tim explore and discover the world. It was a delight to build those dreams. And for once, he really had no fear of his hopes fading. The fatherless boy was his to take, his to love, raise, and teach. Who else was there to claim him?

A knock on the door interrupted Hannover's pleasant thoughts. Then, at his invitation, someone stepped into his office. He looked up from his paperwork and a cloud shadowed Hannover's sunny dreams. Arthur's face brought a multitude of feelings to the man. Some of them were favorable, but not all. There was something he felt each time he saw Arthur which could only be called jealousy.

Bah! Really, you are unbearable, Charles! he scolded himself. The man is perfectly amiable. And he deserves your gratitude. After all, he was the only one good enough to help me find and rescue Timothy. And... He struggled with pride and envy. ...And he stayed by the child while he was ill too. There is no doubt about it, Dr. Lansbury has been both proficient and admirable. I wonder what I owe him for his service?

He stared at Arthur expectantly. With a gentlemanly air, calm and pleasant, Dr. Lansbury approached his desk.

"Mr. Hannover, I know I could have left this at the main desk, but I thought it was more appropriate to give it to you personally, especially since I wanted to tell you goodbye."

His friendly tone broke the ice in Hannover's heart as the young man handed him a cheque. "Then you are leaving, sir? Well, I am rather sorry to hear it." He glanced down at the figures on Arthur's cheque and scanned them quickly. Then, with confusion growing on his face, he looked again. "Dear sir, you will thank me for mentioning it, and please take no offence, but you have overcharged yourself. Your bill certainly is not as great as this!"