"You did exactly right, Mr. Stobo. I have long been anxious to see Mr.--that is, this party. In fact," he added, putting on his hat with significant firmness, "it is because of some business that I have with this party that Mr. Maginnis asked you to look out for him." Mr. Stobo's eyes ardently approved the young man's readiness for "trouble." "Well, _sir_--that's took a load off'n my mind, I tell you! I'll just skip on--will I, Mr. Varney?--and try to get the tip to Mr. Maginnis, as my orders was. He was _that set_ on interviewin' this here party--but Lor', he'd give him to you, same's himself. Only--are you _sure_ you're feelin' up to it to-day, Mr. Varney? If mebbe you'd let me'r Callery go along now, just in case, y' know--" Varney gave an answer which Mr. Stobo found completely reassuring. At the same time, he rapidly produced his pocket-book and pulled out a bill of alluring complexion. "I owe you a great deal for bringing me this information, Mr. Stobo--more than I can repay. But perhaps you would let me--" He stopped suddenly, for the man had started backing off down the entryway, a dull unaccustomed color showing in his grimy face. "You didn't mean it, Mr. Varney! Why, how'd I look my missus in the face--let alone myself--and tell her I took money off'n _you_--" He disappeared out of the back door, and Varney, feeling uncomfortable and disproportionately touched, put his spurned bill back in his pocket. Hackley, now perceiving that his guest's visitor was gone, turned his back on the speechmaking and hurried forward solicitously. "I could 'a' hit that Stobo sneakin' in a-botherin' and a-'noyin' you," he said in tones of great sympathy. "I know how it is, Mr. Varney. Bit of a inverlid myself, I am--no health and no constitootion whatsomever, sir. Feelin' a leetle stiddier now, are you? Better lie down on my parlor sofy a while and git rested up nice, hadn't ye?--many's the day I've lazied there, Lord knows, tryin' f'r to coddle my strength back." Varney regretfully declined the offer. In fact, he must be going at once, he said, as he had a rather important business engagement; and would Mr. Hackley kindly show him the quiet back-exit to the street and the outer world? Hackley, a tireless host, re-urged the charms of his sofy and cool well-water for invalids; but his guest remained politely firm. So there, on the little rear veranda, the two men parted with mutual esteem: Varney expressing sincere thanks for all Mr. Hackley's courtesies; Hackley compassionate over Mr. Varney's impaired constitution, but boggling over what regrets might haply betray him into the grip of the law's long arm.