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“A peculiarly pleasant gentleman, Mr. Baines,” said Gerry, turning pink-complexioned from the window as the door closed. “So versatile and gifted in the lighter arts of conversation and repartee. Now, old chap, do you realize that you’ve got to go through with this thing? Not only is it proved beyond a doubt that there is something to be looked into, but it appears more than likely that the investigation thereof may become amusing. What more could any reasonable person desire? We’re both of us down in the mouth, and require relaxation and a tonic for diseased minds. Here is an unexampled chance ready to our hands. Apply, therefore, for leave; run over to Chichitza, and interview the good Lessaution before he is tired of waiting. And I tell you what I’ll do—I’ll come and look after you.”

“You overwhelm me with your consideration,” I sneered, “I can’t possibly permit myself to trespass on your kindness.”

“Don’t trouble yourself to be sarcastic, old man,” said Gerry composedly. “If you desire it, I’ll openly avow that I’m crazy to go and forget all the brooding and whining of the last month, and therefore I mean to make your life a burden till you consent. That’s all for to-night; but to-morrow we’ll go and see Crum again, and hear what he has to say. So goodnight, old man.”