"
"Just so," said Ashton-Kirk.
There was a pause; they walked along toward the place where they were
to get a street car. At length Pendleton spoke once more.
"And from the rather bald reports of your two assistants, and the talk
of this man, Tobin, you have gathered these most vital facts?"
"We can hardly call them facts as yet," said the other; "but I have
every confidence that we can do so within the time specified."
A gong sounded sharply and a car crossed the street. Pendleton placed
his hand upon his friend's shoulder.
"Kirk," said he, "I am not going to ask another question. I'm just
going to wait, and if it turns out as you say, I'll never question a
statement of yours as long as I live. I'll swallow them all as the
Mussulman swallows the Koran."
They boarded the car and Ashton-Kirk settled himself in a corner. His
arms were folded across his chest, his head gradually sank forward. To
all appearances he was asleep; but Pendleton knew that he was merely
turning over some plan of action that would, in a little time, begin
to reveal itself.
However, he was not prepared for such quick action as resulted; for
suddenly Ashton-Kirk jumped up, glanced out at the car window, then
darted to the platform and leaped off.
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