"Well, Mr. Hardy, what do you want here to-night?"
"Well, my friend, you know, I suppose. How goes the game?"
"D---m me if I DO know. If you think I am going to split, you are
very much mistaken."
"Split! Who wants you to split? Why, there's nothing to split
about. I can tell you just as much as you can tell me."
"Why do you come here then?"
"For the pleasure of seeing you, and to--" Mr. Hardy put his hand
carelessly in his pocket, a movement which was followed by a metallic
jingle--"and just to--to--explain one or two little matters."
The Secretary observed that he was very tired.
"Are you? I believe I am tired too."
Mr. Hardy took out a little case-bottle with brandy in it, and the
Secretary, without saying a word, produced two mugs and a jug of
water. The brandy was mixed by Mr. Hardy; but his share of the
spirit differed from that assigned to his friend.
"Split!" he continued; "no, I should think not. But we want you to
help us. The Major and one or two more had better be kept out of
harm's way for a little while; and we propose not to hurt them, but
to take care of them a bit, you understand? And if, the next time,
he and the others will be there--we have been looking for the Major
for three or four days, but he is not to be found in his old
quarters--we will just give them a call.
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