ook
here, Mr. Stanton, you and I are sitting here among mutual friends,
apparently holding, so far as they can see or hear, an amicable
discussion. But the truth is I have wit enough to understand that what
you would like and what you mean is--_war to the knife_!
Fortunately for me, I am one of Her Majesty's most peaceable,
law-abiding subjects, and always have been so. I have as little to hide
in my past as any man can possibly have--less than yourself even, it may
be--and therefore I do not fear your prying, and can afford to laugh at
your impertinence.

"I will even have my family tree brought out for your benefit if you
choose, and will engage to show you the diary which I have kept for
years, and where you can see exactly how and where my time has been
spent for the last decade or so. Anything to please a famous, and
therefore privileged, man like yourself. Is it a bargain, Mr.
Stanton--will you accept my data if I provide it for you?"

"So great an anxiety to disarm the suspicions of a stranger might tend
to confirm and strengthen them," I said, slowly.

"As you will. I see you don't intend to take my overtures of peace in
the spirit in which they were offered. Well, you seem fond of proverbs,
so here is a Roland for your Oliver--'_forewarned is forearmed_.'
You will not have me for a friend; you are indiscreet enough to advise
me that you intend to make mischief for me if you can--_if you
can_, mind! My conscience is clear as to my past; and here and now I
dare you to do your worst!"

Leaning his elbow on the table, his head upon his hand, he faced me,
looking up sideways with a mocking brilliance in his pale eyes.

"It is my turn to give you warning, and it is this: _I make a bad
enemy_. Even had I some black secret, jealously guarded for
years--which I haven't--you would never drag it from me. I believe
myself to be a cleverer man than you, and if I had chosen the
_role_ of villain I should have been a successful one, there is no
doubt. You would not, Mr. Stanton. Had I something which it was vital to
my interests to conceal, I should have gone about it in such a way that
not the devil himself pitted against me should worm my secret from me.
Had I elected to commit a crime, it would not have been until after I
was ready with an absolutely infallible _alibi_.

"Now, if you are sensible, the very fact that I have made these
admissions will prove my innocence to you. It will be a waste of your
valuable tim