"But you will assist me in my search?" I said.
"To the extent of my power. Understand, however, that I do not undertake that your search shall be successful. It does not depend upon me; accident will probably play its part in the matter. There is a clause, moreover, in our agreement to which I require your adhesion. It is, that during your search you will do nothing to fasten publicity upon me, and that, in the event of your succeeding, I shall not be dragged into the case."
"Unless you are required as a witness," I said.
"I shall not be required. I have no evidence to offer which a court of law would accept."
"Who is to be the judge of that?"
"You yourself."
"I agree. You must not regard me as a spy upon your movements when I tell you I shall sleep in this house to-night."
"Not at all. That you are a man of mettle--a man who can form a resolution and carry it out, never mind at what inconvenience to yourself--makes your company agreeable to me. I like you; I accept you as my comrade, for a brief space, in lieu of that miserable groveller Lemon, who has no more strength of nerve than a jelly-fish. Sleep in the house, and welcome. Sleep in this room."
"Where?" I asked, looking around for the accommodation.
"A shake-down on the floor. Our mutual good friend Mrs. Lemon shall bring up a mattress, a pillow, a sheet, and a pair of blankets, and you shall lie snug and warm. I do not offer you my own bed, for I know that, having the instincts of a gentleman, you would not accept it, but I offer you the hospitality of my poor apartment. We will sup together, we will sleep together, in the morning we will breakfast together, and we will go out to business together, you taking the position of poor Lemon, whom, from this moment, I cast off for ever. What say you?"