"I didn't mean that exactly, but—but—"
The man hesitated, stammered, and was unable to proceed.
"Come, sir," said Nick; "be calm. Tell me plainly what you want me to do for you."
"It isn't for me; it's for a—for a friend of mine."
"Very well; what can I do for your friend?"
"He is accused of a terrible crime, of which he is entirely innocent. I want you to save him."
"I have been asked to do that many times."
"And you have always succeeded?"
"Oh, no; in several cases the persons have been hanged."
The visitor shuddered violently.