I would not stand in his shoes for something." There was a brief and somewhat uncomfortable pause.
"And now allow me to wish you a very good-afternoon," the old gentleman observed.
"Good-afternoon," I replied, "and many thanks for the service you have rendered me.

It has helped me more than I can say." "Pray don't mention it, my dear sir, don't mention it," replied the kindly old gentleman, as he moved towards the door.

"I am very glad to have been useful to you." When he had gone I sat down at my desk to think.

I had had a good many surprises in my life, but I don't know that I had ever been more astonished than I was that afternoon.

If only I had been aware of Hayle's identity when he had called upon me two mornings before, how simply everything might have been arranged! As a matter of fact I had been talking with the very man I had been paid to find, and, what was worse, had even terminated the interview myself.