“I am much obliged for the thoughtfulness, but I can trust my memory,” I answered drily; and then he sent some one out of the room and himself folded the screen together.
“Now, Mr.—er—Siegel,” he said referring to the card.
“I am not Mr. Siegel and have no connection with the press of any country. I wished to see you on something of extreme importance and of a vitally confidential nature. I used that name to gain this interview.”
“And your own name?”
“Is for the moment of no concern. You would not know it, but will of course learn it if this interview ends as I wish.”
“Will you be seated?” and he motioned to a chair.
I drew my chair close to his and waited.
“Yes?”
“I can speak more easily to you here;” and I pointed to the seat at his desk.
“You are mysterious, sir.”