Still, I shall be very glad indeed to give you what advice I can on the subject.
I may say I have constituted myself a special detective in this case, and that I hope to have the honour of solving the problem." "You are very good, indeed," she answered, "and I must ask you to let me bear the expense." "Oh, the paper will do that.

I won't be out of pocket at all," said Stratton.
"Well, I hardly know how to put it; but, whether you are successful or not, I feel very grateful to you, and I hope you will not be offended at what I am going to say.

Now, promise me that you won't!" "I shall not be offended," he answered.

"It is a little difficult to offend a Chicago newspaper man, you know." "Now, you mustn't say anything against the newspaper men, for, in spite of the hard things that some of them have said about me, I like them." "Individually or collectively ?" [Illustration: "I feel very grateful to you."] "I am afraid I must say individually.

You said you wouldn't be offended, so after your search is over you must let me----.