Whitely ?" 

*' I have ; and he certainly has been  ^" 

^ No matter what he has been ; that has nothing whatever to do 
with it. The question is, what proposition have you now to 
make to me ?" 

" In a word then, to be plain, for I find that we perfectly understand 
each other, I am prepared to undertake  of course for a consideration  
either to put him upon the wrong scent, by bringing actions which 
cannot be maintained, or to induce him to agree to whatever proposition 
for a private arrangement you may feel disposed to make." 

**Is it your impression that any action which may be brought 
against me can be maintained ?" 

"Why," said Writall, with an air of mystery, "that is a question 
which you cannot at present expect me to answer. It would hardly 
be honest to  " 

" In this business,** interrupted Raven, " we had better not speak 
about honesty." 

" Well, I agree with you ; perhaps it would be better to put that 
altogether out of view ; but you see, as far as I am alone concerned, it 
would not be quite prudent to explain just at present my own private 
 upon that point." 

"I understand you. Nor is it essential that you