Marston. We would not have you put yourself to the inconvenience, not to
mention the hazard from drafts. You're much more comfortable in bed--and
we can transact our business with you quite as well so; moreover if you
will give us your word to lie quiet and not call or shoot, we shall not
offer you the slightest violence."

"I'll do anything," Harleston smiled, "to be relieved of looking down
those unattractive muzzles. Ah! thank you!--The chairs, gentlemen!" with
a fine gesture of welcome.

"We haven't time to sit down, thank you," said Sparrow. "Time presses
and we must away as quickly as possible. We shall, we sincerely hope,
inconvenience you but a moment, Mr. Harleston."

"Pray take all the time you need," Harleston responded. "I've nothing to
do until nine o'clock--except to sleep; and sleep is a mere incidental
to me. I would much rather chat with visitors, especially those who pay
me such a delightfully early morning call."

"Do you know what we came for?" Marston asked.

"I haven't the slightest idea. In fact, I don't seem to recall ever
having met either of you. However--you'll find cigars and cigarettes on
the table in the other room. I'll be greatly obliged, if one of you will
pass me a cigarette and a match."

Both men laughed; Sparrow produced his case and offered it to Harleston,
together with a match.

"Thank you, very much," said Harleston, as he struck the match and