"I'll do it myself," declared Strauss quickly.
In view of the fact that the latter appeared a few weeks previously to have regarded him with very grave suspicion, Irving had to admit to himself after this offer that the spy-cataloger was more of a mystery than ever.
CHAPTER XXXIV
SKIN GRAFTING
"Your offer is very kind," Irving said with emphasis intended to express warmth of feeling.
"No--patriotic," Strauss declared.
"No doubt of that," the spy admitted; "but a man can be patriotic and kind at the same time, can he not?"
"Yes, but this is all patriotism."
"Very well, I'll accept your offer," Irving announced. "But I doubt if Mr. Herrmann will allow it. You are a very valuable man in the office, and the operation would surely make it necessary for you to lay off a few days. He'll probably insist that an office boy or clerk or stenographer make the patriotic sacrifice in your stead."
"That'll suit me--just so there is no delay in finding someone who's willing," Strauss replied.