"About that."
Radwalader seated himself again, and, leaning forward, continued more earnestly, making a little church and steeple of his linked fingers.
"First, visitors—their names, or, if not that, their appearance, as accurately as possible. Next, letters—both incoming and outgoing—particularly the latter. Steam them, and take copies whenever it seems best. Keep an eye especially on anything relating to—well, to women in general. If any come to the apartment, make good use of your remarkable faculty for eavesdropping, which was so lamentably misapplied here. Keep your hands off his tobacco and wine. Be respectful. Get him to talk as much as possible, and remember what he says. Stay sober—if you can. And report to me immediately if anything important turns up."
"When do I begin?"
"I can't tell. In a few days, probably. I'll let you know."
Vicot rose slowly.
"What a blackguard you are, Radwalader!" he said, almost admiringly.
"That's not the greatest compliment I've known you to pay me," drawled Radwalader. "Imitation is the sincerest flattery."
The other poured himself another half-glass of whiskey, set it on the table-edge, and stood looking down at it.
"And I was once a gentleman!" he said.