It would interest him enormously." Mr.Bellingham reflected awhile with his eyes fixed on the empty grate.
Presently he looked up, and said slowly: "I don't know why I should.

It's no secret; and if it were, I hold no monopoly in it.

No; tell him, if you think he'd care to hear about it." "You needn't be afraid of his talking," I said.

"He is as close as an oyster; and the facts may mean more to him than to us.

He may be able to give a useful hint or two." "Oh, I'm not going to pick his brains," Mr.Bellingham said quickly and with some wrath.