“No,” he said, after a pause. “I think you won’t do me any more harm. But you can do me a great favor.”
“What is that—return you the bonds?”
“I would ask that if I thought you would do it, but I don’t expect it. I should like to have you release me and let me go home.”
“I can’t do that, for I want you to visit me. You may not think it, but I always liked young people. It will be quite a pleasure to me to have you for a visitor.”
“Thank you, but I am afraid that I shall become an unwilling guest.”
“Besides, it will be a pleasure to my little boy to meet you. He does not often meet other boys.”
“Have you a son?” asked Ernest in surprise.
“Yes,” he answered. “He is a sweet little boy, as I can say even if he is my son. His name is Frank. Would you like to see his picture?”
“Yes,” answered Ernest, with interest.