Luke had no idea who his visitor was or what information he might possess, but he was now certain that worth-while information was in Rollins's possession. Without further fencing, the lawyer, therefore, resorted to an old stratagem that he had learned when he first entered the District-Attorney's office: on the bare chance that the evidence might be documentary and within reach, he took a quick stride towards Rollins, raising his right hand as if to seize him. At once the right hand of Rollins shot upward and stopped protectingly over his breast.
"Now then," said Luke, "hand me those papers that you've got in your breast-pocket."
"No," said Rollins; "no; they're for Mr. Leighton."
"Hand them over.'"
"They're mine."
"If you don't hand them over," said Luke lazily, "I shall take them."
"You've got no right to!"
"You'd better save yourself trouble, Mr. Rollins."
"I won't!"
From under his lazy lids, Luke saw that the man was only frightened. With a flash of inspiration, the lawyer guessed something of the truth. This fellow was probably a clerk in the M. & N. offices.