"Can't be too careful, doctor," he observed, with a wink, "when you have something you want to keep to yourself. You have been running after me, and I have been running after you. Did you wish to see me particularly?"
"To tell you the truth," replied Dr. Spenlove, "I had a special reason for calling upon you; but," he added, with a smile, "as it no longer exists, I need not trouble you."
"No trouble, no trouble at all. I am at your service, doctor. Anything I could have done, or can do now, to oblige, you may safely reckon upon. Within limits, you know, within limits."
"Of course; but the necessity is obviated. I intended to ask you to lend me a small sum of money without security, Mr. Moss."
"I guessed as much. You should have had it, doctor, and no inquiries made, though it isn't the way I usually conduct my business; but there are men you can trust and are inclined to trust, and there are men you wouldn't trust without binding them down hard and fast. Now, if you still need the money, don't be afraid to ask."
"I should not be afraid, but I am in funds. I am not the less indebted to you, Mr. Moss."
"All right; I am glad you don't want a loan. Now for another affair--my affair, I suppose I must call it till I have shifted it to other shoulders, which will soon be done."
He paused a moment.
"Dr. Spenlove, that was a strange adventure last night."
"It was; a strange and sad adventure. You behaved very kindly, and I should like to repay what you expended on behalf of the poor lady."