Whatever the process was in the colonel's mind, he said at last: "I see no good reason for declining to act for you, Mr.Fulkerson, and I shall be very happy if I can be of service to you.

But"-- he stopped Fulkerson from cutting in with precipitate thanks--"I think I have a right, sir, to ask what your course will be in the event of failure ?" "Failure ?" Fulkerson repeated, in dismay.
"Yes, sir.

I will not conceal from you that this mission is one not wholly agreeable to my feelings." "Oh, I understand that, colonel, and I assure you that I appreciate, I--" "There is no use trying to blink the fact, sir, that there are certain aspects of Mr.Dryfoos's character in which he is not a gentleman.

We have alluded to this fact before, and I need not dwell upon it now: I may say, however, that my misgivings were not wholly removed last night." "No," Fulkerson assented; though in his heart he thought the old man had behaved very well.
"What I wish to say now is that I cannot consent to act for you, in this matter, merely as an intermediary whose failure would leave the affair in state quo." "I see," said Fulkerson.
"And I should like some intimation, some assurance, as to which party your own feelings are with in the difference." The colonel bent his eyes sharply on Fulkerson; Miss Woodburn let hers fall; Fulkerson felt that he was being tested, and he said, to gain time, "As between Lindau and Dryfoos ?" though he knew this was not the point.
"As between Mr.Dryfoos and Mr.March," said the colonel.
Fulkerson drew a long breath and took his courage in both hands.

"There can't be any choice for me in such a case.