You see how much I know; and it can
scarcely escape your strong common-sense how much
better it would be if I knew all. You cannot hope to
get rid of me at this time of day; I have my place in
the affair, I cannot be shaken off; I am, if you will
excuse a rather technical pleasantry, an encumbrance on
the estate. The actual harm I can do I leave you to
valuate for yourself. But without going so far, Mr.
Dodd, and without in any way inconveniencing myself, I
could make things very uncomfortable. For instance,
Mr. Pinkerton's liquidation. You and I know, sir--and
you better than I--on what a large fund you draw. Is
Mr. Pinkerton in the thing at all? It was you only who
knew the address, and you were concealing it. Suppose
I should communicate with Mr. Pinkerton----"
"Look here!" I interrupted, "communicate with him (if
you will permit me to clothe my idea in a vulgar shape)
till you are blue in the face. There is only one
person with whom I refuse to allow you to communicate
further, and that is myself Good-morning."
He could not conceal his rage, disappointment, and
surprise; and in the passage (I have no doubt) was
shaken by St.
Pages:
454
455
456
457
458
459
460
461
462
463
464
465
466
467
468
469
470
471
472
473
474
475
476
477
478