As sight of West he took a hasty step forward, eager to explain the cause of his presence.
"You'll pardon me, sir," he burst forth in apology.

"But I must see you, sir." "That's quite all right, Sexton.

You have some message ?" "Not--not from any one else, sir.

It's just my own business, but--but I thought you would help me, sir." "Certainly; only too glad.

Let's step in here where we can talk quietly." He pointed the way into a private card room, closing the door behind his visitor.
"Take the seat over there, Sexton.