But this word is private.

Look here, you're a lawyer's clerk ?" He had known that, of course, for some time--known that I was clerk to a solicitor of the town, and hoping to get my articles, and in due course become a solicitor myself.

So there was no need for me to do more than nod in silence.
"And being so," he went on, "you'll be a good hand at keeping a secret very well.

Can you keep one for me, now ?" He had put out one of his big hands as he spoke, and had gripped my wrist with it--ill as he was, the grip of his fingers was like steel, and yet I could see that he had no idea that he was doing more than laying his hand on me with the appeal of a sick man.
"It depends what it is, Mr.Gilverthwaite," I answered.

"I should like to do anything I can for you." "You wouldn't do it for nothing," he put in sharply.