If we can continue to work the thing in company, I place at your disposal my knowledge of the law and a considerable practice in delicate negotiations similar to this.

Should you refuse to consent, you might find in me a formidable and"-- he hesitated--"and to my own regret, perhaps a dangerous competitor." "Did you get this by heart ?" I asked, genially.
"I advise YOU to!" he said, with a sudden sparkle of temper and menace, instantly gone, instantly succeeded by fresh cringing.

"I assure you, sir, I arrive in the character of a friend; and I believe you underestimate my information.

If I may instance an example, I am acquainted to the last dime with what you made (or rather lost), and I know you have since cashed a considerable draft on London." "What do you infer ?" I asked.
"I know where that draft came from," he cried, wincing back like one who has greatly dared, and instantly regrets the venture.
"So ?" said I.
"You forget I was Mr.Dickson's confidential agent," he explained.

"You had his address, Mr.Dodd.We were the only two that he communicated with in San Francisco.