“Perhaps I had better not ask Jim to come in,” she hesitated.
“Your husband does not know him, and I would rather you did not tell him who is with me. Just say that Henry Johnson and a friend wish to negotiate about the factory.”
Stanmore Anson proved to be a person of the hale old English yeoman type, as portrayed by illustrators, although his ancestors originally came from Sweden. His face was determined, his lips firm, and despite his defeats, the lurking sparkle of combat still animated his eyes.
“Before we begin any conversation regarding a sale,” he said, “you must answer this question, Mr. Johnson. Are you connected in any way, directly or indirectly, with the G.K.R. Trust?”
“I am not connected with it, directly or indirectly.”
“You state that on your honour as a man?”
“No; I simply state it.”
“You wouldn’t swear it?”
“Not unless compelled by force of law.”