ng that
he was in fact guilty, as I had already tentatively theorized, then
would not his present utterances appear very like a plea in vindication
of his deed?--or, at least, as an apology? If he were guilty, he was
supplying me the support of a sound argument.

His analysis of motives, at any rate, made me exceedingly regardful of
every shifting light and shade of his really remarkable narrative. I
remained keenly alert not to miss a phase of it, but carefully to
ponder and weigh every one.

However, that narrative must not be retarded.

"Before I came here last night," he took it up once more, "I thought I
had imagined every possible combination of emotions with which my uncle
would receive my brazen offer; but his amazement when he heard me was
as nothing to mine at the way in which he took it.

"First of all, in a gruff, glum sort of way, the old gentleman seemed
really glad to see me; but he was in a hurry to warn me that I had
better get my errand over quickly, as he was contemplating catching a
nine-thirty train for Duluth--for what purpose he did n't say. As the
evening wore on, however, and after I had once or twice hinted that I
could wait till a more opportune time to make known my business, he
impatiently commanded me to proceed; whereupon I naturally concluded
that he had, since my coming, given over the projected trip.

"That fellow Burke was in the hall when I entered; and while there was
nothing in his manner that I could have picked out as hostile, still I
felt vaguely that he resented my intrusion. But why should he? Blamed
if _I_ know. As my uncle and I entered the library, Burke had the
nerve to butt in with a reference to some papers and a reminder that
the Duluth train left at nine-thirty. Maybe you think the old
gentleman did n't turn him down cold--didn't bother Burke in the least,
though, or interrupt the cool, unwavering inspection that he continued
to bestow upon me. The fellow was fairly burning up with curiosity to
find out what my business was.

"Well, after Mr. Page and I got in here, he put it to me bluntly: Did I
want money? If so, how much and what for? Now was n't that an
encouraging beginning in view of what I was after? Nevertheless I was
resolved to do or die; to be heard to the end, or else kicked out of
the house forthwith. That last is what I had coming to me, all
right--it's what I was looking for.

"I began by saying that I simply wanted him to listen to me