Indeed his next words prove this contention.
"My object in helping you is a purely disinterested one. I brought you away from Brockley in my carriage because I wanted to avoid a scandal and a scene. It was very indiscreet and most improper of you to attempt—er—to stop that young man——"
"Say," said Mr. Bill Slewer of Four Ways, "I'm wise."
"I'm delighted to hear it," said Sir Harry, "and——"
"I'm wise to this peace-on-earth talk," said Mr. Slewer approvingly, "I know the dope. I seen it handed out. Mike Sheehan the alderman felly in New York was fat with it. 'No violence,' says he, 'when I'm around,' says he, 'and if you sock him good,' says he, 'do it when I'm sayin' grace at Delmonico's.'"
"I assure you, my good fellow——"
"Switch off," suggested Mr. Slewer in the friendliest manner. "You're in this Silver Streak deal."
"That is settled," said Sir Harry quickly.
"Settled nothing," said the calm Bill, "I'm next to that deal: Judge Mogg an' me's the David-Jonathan turn. Knew Mogg when his father was toting a five cent freak show round California in '76—I was one of dem freaks."
He chuckled noiselessly.