I have reasons; shouldn't mind talking them over with you, if you can give me the information I want.' 'I can do that,' replied Scawthorne with a smile.

'If you are J.J.
Snowdon, you are requested to communicate with Michael Snowdon--that's all.' 'Oh! but I _have_ communicated with him, and he's nothing particular to say to me, as far as I can see.' Scawthorne sipped at his glass, gave a stroke to each side of his moustache, and seemed to reflect.
'You were coming to ask Mr.Percival privately for information ?' 'That's just it.

Of course if you can't give me any, I must see him to-morrow.' 'He won't tell you anything more than I have.' 'And you don't _know_ anything more ?' 'I didn't say that, my dear fellow.

Suppose you begin by telling me a little more about yourself ?' It was a matter of time, but at length the dialogue took another character.

The glasses of stimulant were renewed, and as Joseph grew expansive Scawthorne laid aside something of his professional reserve, without, however, losing the discretion which led him to subdue his voice and express himself in uncompromising phrases.