“What makes you think that?” he questioned.
“Well, I am something of a physiognomist, and, to me, he shows treachery in every glance of his shifty eyes.” Mr. Lyttleton’s expression plainly indicated a decided repugnance to the man under discussion.
“Lyttleton versus Ruggles,” was here shouted by the court-crier, and the conversation of the two gentlemen was interrupted. It did not take very long to settle the case, however, for, in the light of the indisputable evidence brought to bear upon it, the prisoner was found guilty of assault with intent to kill, and sentenced to seven years at Sing Sing. As soon as they were released, Mr. Lyttleton turned to Gerald.
“Come,” he said; “you must come and have lunch with me; I want to talk more with you.”
In a neighboring restaurant they took a secluded table, and over the coffee Mr. Lyttleton astonished Gerald by remarking:
“Mr. Winchester, I happen, just at this time, to be very much in need of a private-secretary. The poor fellow who has served me for five years died last week, and I have, as yet, found no one to fill his place. How would you like the position?”
Gerald lifted a look of bland surprise at the speaker.
“You think I am rather premature in making such a proposal to you upon so short an acquaintance,” Mr. Lyttleton observed, smiling; “but I have told you that I am pretty well versed in character reading, and so, if you are willing to take the place on trial, I am ready to give it to you. I like your looks—your manner; while that girl’s testimony yesterday proved that Adam Brewster had the most implicit confidence in you. That, of itself, is recommendation enough for me. A week from to-morrow, I sail for Europe, to investigate a complicated case which involves a large estate, and which I hope to bring to trial within a couple of months. My partner will manage the business here during my absence, which will probably be six months or more, as I intend to combine pleasure with duty, and see something of the old world before my return. Your salary will be eight hundred and all expenses, for the first year; more after that if we find ourselves mutually congenial. There, you have my proposition—what do you say to it?” the lawyer concluded, as he sat back in his chair and watched the expressive face opposite him.