I feared that my real business, if suddenly made known to you, might startle, perhaps frighten you.

I am a detective on the look-out for evidence in the case I have just mentioned.
I have a theory that a most important witness in the same, drove by here at the hour and on the night I have named.

I want to substantiate that theory.

Can you help me ?" A sensitiveness to, and quick appreciation of, the character of those he addressed was one of Sweetwater's most valuable attributes.

No glossing of the truth, however skillfully applied, would have served him with this woman so well as this simple statement, followed by its equally simple and direct inquiry.