Le Compte did not desire to see me again, and had made strenuous efforts to prevent it and secure a surreptitious interview with Lyon instead. Failing in this, at the last moment, I had received a very terse note from him to the effect that he did not desire to transmit any statement by mail, but would take it as an honor, etc., if I would call at his place at ten o'clock, Monday morning, which I did, finding the little fellow in a gorgeous dressing-gown, freshly shaved, and in a neat and orderly state generally.
"Well, my young friend," said I, "I suppose you have decided to give me some information this morning."
"Do I get good pay?" he asked in response.
"You will get good pay if you have a good article for sale," I replied.
"Humph!" he responded, with a soft shrug of his delicate shoulders.
"Are you ready to make such a sale?" I asked.
"But where comes my money?" inquired Le Compte, suspiciously.
"It is right here," I answered, slapping my pocket in a hearty way.
"But suppose it shall stay there, then where is Le Compte?" he persisted with a doleful look which was irresistibly funny.
"It will stay there," I replied, "in case you attempt to play any of your tricks, my little fellow."