Pray let me know what I can do for you ?" "It is about my uncle and Mr.Codd that I want to speak to you," she said, sinking her voice a little, as if she were afraid they might hear.
"And what about them ?" "I want to be loyal to them, and yet I want to know what you think of the whole affair," she said, looking intently at me as she spoke.
"Believe me, I have good and sufficient reasons for my request." "I am to tell exactly what I think about their pursuit of this man Hayle?
And what chances of success I think they possess ?" I said.
"I am not thinking so much of their success," she returned, "as of the real nature of their case." "I believe I understand what is passing in your mind," I said.

"Indeed I should not be surprised if the suspicion you entertain is not the same as I have myself." "You have been suspicious then ?" "I could scarcely fail to be," I replied.
"Perhaps you will tell me what you suspect ?" "Will you forgive me, in my turn, if I am abrupt, or if I speak my mind a little too plainly ?" "You could not do that," she answered with a sigh.

"I want to know your exact thoughts, and then I shall be able to form my own conclusions." "Well," I said, "before I begin, may I put one or two questions to you?
You will, of course, remember that I had never seen or heard of your uncle and Mr.Codd until they stopped me on Ludgate Hill.

They were and practically are strangers to me.

I have heard their story of their treasure, but I have not heard what any one else has to say upon the subject." "I think I understand.