“Do you belong to the company that bought it?”
The question came quickly, and Low’s voice was harsh.
There was no longer the good-natured tone in which he had spoken while talking about the panther.
“No,” replied Nick, “I haven’t anything to do with the company. I heard you were swindled.”
“That was it, stranger!” cried Low; “nothing short of it. People say I was beat in a business deal, but I’m tellin’ ye it wasn’t a squar’ deal.”
“I’d like to know all about it.”
“What’s yer name?”
“Nicholas.”
“Be you a lawyer?”