Clarke wished that he could guess his reason, for it might affect the situation.
"That is correct," he said.

"I have a good deal to tell you, and it may take some time." Challoner motioned to him to be seated, and offered him a cigar; and Clarke lighted it before he spoke.
"Your nephew," he began, "spent a week in the settlement where I live, preparing for a journey to the North.

Though his object was secret, I believe he went in search of something to make varnish of, because he took with him a young American traveler for a paint factory, besides another man." "I know all that," Challoner replied.

"I heard about his American companion; who was the other ?" "We will come to him presently.

There is still something which I think you do not know." "Yes ?" Challoner said.
He was suspicious, for his visitor's looks were not in his favor.
Clarke gave the Colonel a keen glance.
"It concerns your nephew's earlier history." "That is of most importance to himself and me.