"I want to be loyal to them, and yet I want to know what you think of the whole affair," she said, looking intently at me as she spoke. "Believe me, I have good and sufficient reasons for my request."
"I am to tell exactly what I think about their pursuit of this man Hayle? And what chances of success I think they possess?" I said.
"I am not thinking so much of their success," she returned, "as of the real nature of their case."
"I believe I understand what is passing in your mind," I said. "Indeed I should not be surprised if the suspicion you entertain is not the same as I have myself."
"You have been suspicious then?"
"I could scarcely fail to be," I replied.
"Perhaps you will tell me what you suspect?"
"Will you forgive me, in my turn, if I am abrupt, or if I speak my mind a little too plainly?"
"You could not do that," she answered with a sigh. "I want to know your exact thoughts, and then I shall be able to form my own conclusions."
"Well," I said, "before I begin, may I put one or two questions to you? You will, of course, remember that I had never seen or heard of your uncle and Mr. Codd until they stopped me on Ludgate Hill. They were and practically are strangers to me. I have heard their story of their treasure, but I have not heard what any one else has to say upon the subject."