"I am not so sure about that. Do you think Stratton will show the article to Brown if he gets what you call a scoop or a beat?"
"Why, of course he will," answered Speed, indignantly; "hasn't he given him his word that he will?"
"Yes, I know he has," said Brenton, dubiously; "but he is a newspaper man."
"Certainly he is," answered Speed, with strong emphasis; "that is the reason he will keep his word."
"I hope so, I hope so; but I must admit that the more I know you newspaper men, the more I see the great temptation you are under to preserve if possible the sensational features of an article."
"I'll bet you a drink—no, we can't do that," corrected Speed; "but you shall see that, if Brown acts square with Stratton, he will keep his word to the very letter with Brown. There is no use in our talking about the matter here. Let us follow Stratton, and see what comes of the interview."
"I think I prefer to go alone," said Brenton, coldly.
"Oh, as you like, as you like," answered the other, shortly. "I thought you wanted my help in this affair; but if you don't, I am sure I shan't intrude."
"That's all right," said Brenton; "come along. By the way, Speed, what do you think of that line of defence?"
"Well, I don't know enough of the circumstances of the case to know what to think of it. It seems to me rather a good line."