"Nothing," I answered good naturedly.
"I understand you were here investigating the loss of the dynamite when the explosion occurred. Have you no theory as to how it occurred?"
"No, I have no theory: I know how it occurred."
"Would you"—he hesitated, looking down and bringing his chubby hands together before him—"would you mind telling me what you know about it?"
"My information will not be available to the railroad through me, but if you will dismiss your clerk, I will give you, as man to man, enough information to ease your mind." In saying this I was thinking only of Hiram.
After some hesitation, he nodded to the expectant clerk, who rose instantly and left the apartment.
"Mr. Taylor—I believe you said your name was Taylor—this matter has upset me, and I may have been rude," he apologized, and lapsed into the attitude of a very decent fellow with troubles of his own. I then gave him enough details to put Hiram right. He was immensely relieved and pleased to gain such valuable information.
"You seem to know something of this young Strong?" he queried. My reply was that I thought I had a very good line on Hiram Strong, Jr.
"His cash and station records are as clean and straight as a pin—he seems to be rather under-classed and is capable of better things. What are his antecedents?" The superintendent's interest was aroused.