But then, I was aware that this might be considered as bribery, and make his testimony worth nothing.

I then thought that the committee might detain him as an evidence, and pay him, in a reasonable manner, for his sustenance, till his testimony should be called for.

But I did not know how long it would be before his examination might take place.

It might be a year or two.

I foresaw other difficulties also and I was obliged to relinquish what otherwise I should have deemed a prize.
On reviewing the conversation which had passed between us after my return home, I thought, considering the friendly disposition of Gardiner towards us, I had not done all I could for the cause; and, communicating my feelings to Walter Chandler, he procured me another interview.