"What!"
"That's all I want you to do. Then if you wouldn't mind giving me your name and address? And that is really all I ask."
Said the American, amused and surprised:
"That airy request of yours requires a trifle more explanation than you seem inclined to offer."
"I know it does. I can't offer it. Only—you won't get into trouble if you keep that envelope buttoned tightly under your coat until I come for it again."
"But I'm not going to do that!"
"Why?"
"Why the devil should I? I don't propose to wander about France carrying papers concerning which I know nothing—to oblige a young man about whom I know even less."
"I quite see that," admitted Halkett seriously. "I shouldn't feel inclined to do such a thing either."
"Can't you tell me what is the nature of these papers?—Or something—some explanation——"