You have done it often enough already, goodness knows. Now, there's
old Faulks; when did you see him last?"
"Not a week ago."
"And you got nothing out of him? I thought he was devoted to you."
"He is most attentive, most obliging, but still exceedingly wary. He
will talk about anything rather than business. I have tried him
repeatedly. I have introduced the subject of his nephew, of whom he is
now so proud."
"Your enemy, you mean--that young McKay."
"Exactly. I thought that by bringing the conversation to the Crimea I
might squeeze out something important. But no! he is always as close
as an oyster."
"He will be ready enough to talk about his dear nephew before long.
You may look out for some startling news about McKay."
"Really?" said Mrs. Wilders, growing suddenly excited. "Your plan has
succeeded, then?"
"Any day you may hear that he has been removed effectually, and for
ever, from your path. But for the moment that will keep. What presses
is that you should squeeze old Faulks. There is something that I must
know to-day, or to-morrow at latest. You must go and see him at once."
"At his office?"
"Why not?"
"But on what pretence? I have never been there as yet. He has always
come here to lunch or dine. He is fond of a good dinner."
"Ask him again.
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