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. You see my deductions are quite obvious;
you see how open and frank I deal with you, as I should
wish to do with any gentleman with whom I was conjoined
in business.
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