“I’m still in two minds. But I suppose it’s nothing serious.”
I spoke as indifferently as I could.
“Oh no—not for your country. I don’t know, though. I could give you some news.”
“I’m always ready for that,” I replied with an eager smile.
“I’m a police agent,” he said, as if the admission would astound me. I was therefore promptly astounded.
“You!” I cried. “Impossible. Why, I thought——” and left the thought to his imagination.
“What did you think?” He chuckled.
“I put you down for a merchant or a landowner. But a police agent!” and I waved my hand in amazement. “I’ve always heard you are the smartest men in Europe. Now I know it. A police agent!” I was lost in wonderment.
“Do you know what I thought you were?”
“You didn’t take me for another, I suppose?” It was a joke and he enjoyed it and laughed.