"And if you went into this affair," said I, "the Swiss would cancel your forestry contract."
"That," said he with a grin, "would be ruinous, wouldn't it?"
"What are you, anyway, Smith?" I demanded bluntly.
"A Viking. What do you think I am?"
"An agent," I replied darkly.
"Timber agent," he nodded.
"Timber nothing. Much less a Viking. I'm on to you, Smith."
"Do you think you are?"
"Well, do you wish to know what I believe you to be?"
"You probably have guessed. So don't say it too loud, Michael. Besides, I have taken no pains to conceal my business from you."