"I never heard such a bold request." "It is bold.

I've already said so, and asked you to pardon it." "What can you want that for?
It can't be for nothing but curiosity; and--" "It's not curiosity," interrupted Pike, with an emphasis that told upon his hearer.

"I have a different motive, sir; and a good motive.

If I were at liberty to tell it--which I'm not--you'd let me in without another word.

Lots of people have been seeing him, I suppose." "Indeed they have not.