Nighthawk rose, and I did likewise, declining the courteous request of Mr. X——- to prolong my visit. He held the door open with great politeness and said, smiling:—
“I need not say, my dear colonel, that the views I have expressed this evening are confidential—for the present, at least.”
“Assuredly,” I replied, with a bow and a smile.
“Hereafter you are at liberty to repeat them, if you wish, only I beg you will ascribe them to Mr. X——-, an unknown quantity. If you write a book, and put me in it, send me a copy—in Canada!”
A moment afterward I was wending my way through the shrubbery, thinking of the curious personage I had left.
At the gate Nighthawk awaited me, and I scarcely recognized him. He had resumed his red beard, and green glasses.
“I am glad to see you again, colonel,” he said benignantly; “I heard that you were in the city and called at your lodgings, but found you absent.”
“You wished to see me particularly, then, Nighthawk.”
“Yes, and to-night, colonel.”
“Ah!”