The old, old seduction was in that airy, confident tone and those significant words—usually called pregnant words in books. The old answering signs of faith and hope showed up in Hawkins’s countenance, and he said:
“Only money? Do you mean that you know a way to—”
“Washington, have you the impression that I have no resources but those I allow the public and my intimate friends to know about?”
“Well, I—er—”
“Is it likely, do you think, that a man moved by nature and taught by experience to keep his affairs to himself and a cautious and reluctant tongue in his head, wouldn’t be thoughtful enough to keep a few resources in reserve for a rainy day, when he’s got as many as I have to select from?”
“Oh, you make me feel so much better already, Colonel!”
“Have you ever been in my laboratory?”
“Why, no.”
“That’s it. You see you didn’t even know that I had one. Come along. I’ve got a little trick there that I want to show you. I’ve kept it perfectly quiet, not fifty people know anything about it. But that’s my way, always been my way. Wait till you’re ready, that’s the idea; and when you’re ready, zzip!—let her go!”
“Well, Colonel, I’ve never seen a man that I’ve had such unbounded confidence in as you. When you say a thing right out, I always feel as if that ends it; as if that is evidence, and proof, and everything else.”