"No," he declared.

"I'm not in the oil business and I have no money to invest in it.

I don't even represent a syndicate of Eastern capitalists.

On the contrary, I am a penniless adventurer whom chance alone has cast upon your hospitable grand staircase." These words were spoken with a suggestion of mock modesty that had precisely the effect of a deliberate wink, and Mr.
Haviland smiled and nodded his complete comprehension.
"I get you," said he.

"And you're right.