"I suppose you think I've meddled enough in your affairs already; and on my word, I intended to stay out of this.

But of course I've been watching it in the papers; partly because it was interesting and partly because I knew you.

It struck me yesterday afternoon as I was thinking things over that you weren't making much headway and might like a little help; so I induced the Post-Dispatch to send down their best man.

I hope I shall get at the truth." He paused a moment and looked at me sharply.

"Do you want me to stay?
I will go back if you'd rather have me." I was instantly ashamed of my distrust of the afternoon.