You are not to assume that Mr.
Harley was truthful because he was boisterous or his frankness went freighted of no guile.

It is commonest error to believe your frankest talker, your greatest teller of truth; whereas, in a majority of instances, the delusive garrulity is a mask or a feint, meant only to cover facts and screen designs of which the victim's first notice is, snap! when they pin him like a steel-trap.

Still, Storri entertained no risks when he broke into confidences with Mr.Harley.It was Mr.Harley who listened and Storri who talked; besides, Storri, in any conflicting tug of interest, could be as loquacious as Mr.Harley, and as false.

It was diamond cutting diamond and Greek meeting Greek.

Only, since Storri was a Count, and Mr.Harley one upon whom a title went not without blinding effect, Storri had a fractional advantage.
Storri and Mr.Harley enjoyed several casual talks; that is, Mr.Harley thought them casual, although every one was planned by Storri.