In various small ways Mr.Fitch had shown an interest in Harwood, and Dan resolved to take counsel of the lawyer before giving his answer.
The little man sat in his private room in his shirt sleeves, with his chair tipped back and his feet on his desk.

He was, in his own phrase, "thinking out a brief." He fanned himself in a desultory fashion with a palm leaf.

Dan had carried in an arm load of books which Fitch indicated should be arranged, back-up, on the floor beside him.
Dan lingered a moment and Fitch's "Well" gave him leave to proceed.

He stated Bassett's offer succinctly, telling of his visit to Fraserville and of the interview at the Whitcomb.

When he had concluded Fitch asked:-- "Why haven't you gone ahead and closed the matter?
On the face of it it's a good offer.