As I had. And effectively, I think, it would be. [He frowns thoughtfully.] I don't mind the thought of retiring, but I'd prefer it to be under better circumstances.

[He's enjoyed this holiday so thoroughly, after all. Dabbling in whatever catches his fancy, finding what comforts he can. If he's very smart-- and he is-- and very lucky-- and he may not be-- he might manage something similar at home; might escape with his life and his right hand man to some comfortable clime.

He might.]

I could live, I think, without killing him. It would be a disappointment, but I think I'd manage.