‘“If I were otherwise,” I answered, “I should not occupy the position I do.”
‘“True,” he replied. “Now, the matter in which I am going to enlist your services is a delicate one.”
‘He paused, and fixed his eyes upon me again, and toyed daintily with the penknife.
‘“I have had to do with many delicate cases,” I said.
‘“Ah! And have been successful?”
‘“More frequently than not.”
‘“You’ve been employed in Government business before?”
‘“Yes,” I answered shortly, as I felt somewhat annoyed at the manner in which he put his questions.
‘“I am impressed with you,” he was good enough to say.
‘I returned no answer to that, merely making a very formal motion of the head.