"That doesn't sound encouraging," said I. "It may be
worth while to apply to the police, but it doesn't
sound a hopeful case."
"And I have no hope in that direction," said Bellairs.
"My hopes, Mr. Dodd, are all fixed upon yourself I
could easily convince you that a small, a very small
advance, would be in the nature of an excellent
investment; but I prefer to rely on your humanity. Our
acquaintance began on an unusual footing; but you have
now known me for some time, we have been some time--I
was going to say we had been almost intimate. Under
the impulse of instinctive sympathy, I have bared my
heart to you, Mr. Dodd, as I have done to few; and I
believe--I trust--I may say that I feel sure--you heard
me with a kindly sentiment. This is what brings me to
your side at this most inexcusable hour. But put
yourself in my place--how could I sleep--how could I
dream of sleeping, in this blackness of remorse and
despair? There was a friend at hand--so I ventured to
think of you; it was instinctive: I fled to your side,
as the drowning man clutches at a straw.
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