"As a matter of fact, I am here on business."
Adam's voice turned crisp. "See me in the morning, then. I don't do business after hours."
The stranger said softly, "It's about Asher Sutton."
Adam's body tensed and his fingers shook so that he fumbled as he filled his pipe. He was glad that it was dark so the stranger could not see.
"Sutton will be coming back," the stranger said.
Adams shook his head. "I doubt it. He went out twenty years ago."
"You haven't crossed him out?"
"No," said Adams, slowly. "He still is on the payroll, if that is what you mean."
"Why?" asked the man. "Why do you keep him on?" '
Adams tamped the tobacco in the bowl, considering. "Sentiment, I guess," he said. "Sentiment and faith. Faith in Asher Sutton. Although the faith is running out."