“I have already been to the stores and shops,” said Benson.
“I will extend the inquiries beyond the city. Meantime I've a man here who may be of use to you,” said Young after a moment's thought.
He called to the clerk in the outer office, but before the latter answered the summons, he changed his mind.
“I'll fetch him myself,” he said, and left the room.
He was gone, perhaps, ten minutes, and then returned, accompanied by a heavy set man of not especially prepossessing appearance, who wore goggles and blinked through them at Benson with weak eyes.
“Mr. Benson, this is Brother Hickman,” said the governor, by way of introduction. “Now, Mr. Benson, kindly tell Brother Hickman what you have just told me.”
And Benson went through the narrative a second time.
When he had finished, Young turned to Hickman:
“Mr. Benson has already spent three days here, but so far he has learned nothing. It just occurs to me, Mr. Benson, that our people, while they would not, of course, really deceive you, still might be reluctant to answer your questions frankly.”
“But why?” asked Benson in some surprise.