The door closed behind the useful Joseph, and immediately popped open
again in the most startling fashion.

"No; nor that, either," said Joseph.

He closed the door softly and leaned against it, cocking his head on one
side with an evil smile.

His employer glanced at him with uninquiring eyes.

"You won't ask what, hey? No? But I'll tell you what you were thinking
of: Dropping me off the bridge. Upsetting the boat. The like of that.
Can't have it. I can't afford it. You're too liberal. Why, I wouldn't
crawl under your car to repair it--or go hunting with you--not if it was
ever so!"

"I really believe," said Mr. Mitchell with surprised eyebrows, "that you
are keeping me waiting!"

"That is why I never throw out hints about a future partnership,"
continued the confidential man, undaunted. "You are such a liberal
paymaster. Lord love you, sir, I don't want any partnership! This suits
me. You furnish the brains and the respectability; I take the risk, and I
get my fair share. Then, if I should ever get caught, you are unsmirched;
you can keep on making money. And you'll keep on giving me my share. Oh,
yes; you will! You've such a good heart, Mr. Oscar! I know you. You
wouldn't want old Joey hanged! Not you! Oh, no!"