The question gave a hint of the line to take. "Did you notice anything odd about him, then?"
"It's not for me to talk, of course; but my wife thought he was a bit strange in his head."
"Poor old fellow," I replied in a tone of commiseration.
"Ah, I thought as much," was the answer with a note of self-satisfaction. "My wife isn't often wrong. Are you in charge of him so to speak?"
"He is in my charge just at present; but I'm not his keeper, if that's what you mean? He's as harmless as a child; but he fancies himself a desperate conspirator. He's a noble."
"He told us that, but we didn't believe him."
"It's true; and of course his people are well able to pay handsomely for anything that is done for him."
The bait was taken readily. "I shall be glad to help of course if I can."
"If he's still at the house, you can. I want to get on to the city and send his friends out for him. If you could look after him meanwhile, you can name your own price, and I'll pay you something on account of it."
"I suppose he really is harmless. I mean he wouldn't be likely to give any trouble if we kept him in the house?"