“Trust me, sir, I’ll be silent.”
“Conceal yourself at once, then,” said Nick. “Now, Chick, bring in the caller.”
Chick departed to the library, returning at the end of a minute.
He was accompanied by—Moses Flood.
Nick had discarded his black coat, having put on an office jacket, and he was found seated at his desk.
“Ah, Moses, how are you?” said he, looking up with an innocent smile when the noted gambler entered.
Flood was as carefully dressed as usual, and appeared remarkably dignified and composed. Yet his face was very pale and his mouth noticeably firm.
“Fairly well, Nick,” he gravely replied, accepting the chair to which Nick graciously waved him. “I am glad you have returned. I have been waiting to see you.”
“Waiting long, Mose?”
“About ten minutes. No, don’t go, Chick. My business is not private. I prefer, in fact, that you also should hear what I have to say.”