“My services are not exactly open for engagement,” said Mr. Stark, smiling. “I am in the employ of the government.”
“Pardon me,” said Leonard. “Perhaps I did not put the case as I should. There is a matter that interests the government—a smuggling case, I am convinced—but it requires to be managed with caution.”
“We are accustomed to manage things with caution,” was Mr. Stark’s reply.
“Certainly—I am aware of that—but this case is so complicated with an affair of an entirely different character—and in which I have a deep personal interest—that I must be exceedingly cautious as to whom I take in my confidence.”
“If you know anything, young man,” rejoined Mr. Stark, “about the illegal running in of any foreign goods, it is your duty to reveal such knowledge.”
“That may be,” replied Leonard; “but I have other duties, too. One of them is self-protection. Another is to look out for my friends. I must be assured of the hearty co-operation of whoever I take into my confidence, in an endeavor to solve a mystery on which hangs the life of a near and dear relative, as well as to bring to justice these supposed smugglers. The two cases cannot be separated—they must be investigated conjointly. And it may take time.”
“You speak with a good deal of self-confidence, sir. May I ask who you are?”
Leonard handed him his card, and then asked:
“Do you know the firm of Duncan & Mishler, New York?”
“Yes—an importing house. You don’t mean to say that they are the parties?”