«But I thought the thing was hollow,» he said; «it hasn't paid a dividend for umpteen years.»
«No,» I said, «it hasn't, but it's going to. I've got inside information.» He looked a bit unconvinced, and I emptied off my glass, and edged right up to his ear.
«Look here,» I said, «I'm not giving this away to everyone, but I don't mind doing you and Christine a good turn. You know, I've always kept a soft place in my heart for her, ever since the old days. You got in ahead of me that time, and now it's up to me to heap coals of fire on you both.»
I was a little excited by this time, and he thought I was drunk.
«It's very kind of you, old man,» he said, «but I'm a cautious bird, you know, always was. I'd like a bit of proof.»
And he shrugged up his shoulders and looked like a pawnbroker.
«I'll give it to you,» I said, «but it isn't safe here. Come round to my place to-night after dinner, and I'll show you the report.»
«How d'you get hold of it?» said he.
«I'll tell you to-night,» said I. «Come round after dinner — any time after nine, say.»
«To Harley Street?» he asked, and I saw that he meant coming.