Mr. Sharp was fertile in expedients, and had an abundant share of self-possession.
“Perhaps we had better proceed to business,” said Lewis, abruptly.
“Oh, by all means, sir, by all means?” returned Mr. Sharp, assuming a brisk tone at the prospect of a client. “As I before remarked, I never feel more completely in my element than when immersed in business. It is an——”
“If you will give me your attention for a few minutes,” pursued Lewis, unceremoniously interrupting him, “I will endeavor to explain the nature of the service I require.”
Mr. Sharp bent forward, and assumed an attitude of the most earnest attention. He nodded slightly, and screwed up his eyes, as if to intimate that he was about to concentrate all his mental energies upon the matter in hand.
“You must know,” said Lewis, slowly, “that there are two persons living in this city whose presence, in what way it is needless to specify, conflict very seriously with my interests. It is my wish to bring some motive to bear upon them which shall lead to their departure from the city.”
“I understand,” nodded Mr. Sharp, with an air of profound wisdom. “Go on, my good sir.”
“One difficulty, however, meets me at the outset,” continued Lewis; “I do not know in what part of the city the two persons——”
“Aforesaid,” prompted Mr. Sharp, nodding sagaciously.
“Live,” concluded Lewis, not heeding the interpolation; “nor have I any definite clew by which to find them.”