Absurd and ridiculous as this sudden diversion of Colonel Starbottle from the point at issue had become, Dumphy could not doubt his sincerity, nor the now self-evident fact that Mrs. Conroy was _not_ his visitor's mysterious client! Mr. Dumphy felt that his suddenly built up theory was demolished and his hope with it. He was still at the mercy of this conceited braggart and the invisible power behind him--whoever or whatever it might be. Mr. Dumphy was not inclined to superstition, but he began to experience a strange awe of his unknown persecutor, and resolved at any risk to discover who it was. Could it be really his wife?--had not the supercilious Poinsett been himself tricked--or was he not now trying to trick him, Dumphy? Couldn't Starbottle be bribed to expose at least the name of his client? He would try it. "I said just now you had been deceived in this woman who represents herself to be my wife. I find I have been mistaken in the person, who I believe imposed upon you, and it is possible that I may be otherwise wrong. My wife may be alive. I am willing to admit it. Bring her here to-morrow and I will accept it as a fact." "You forget that she refuses to see you again," said Colonel Starbottle, "until she has established her claim by process of law." "That's so! that's all right, old fellow; _we_ understand each other. Now, suppose that we business men--as a business maxim, you know--always prefer to deal with principals. Now suppose we even go so far as to do that and yet pay an agent's commission, perhaps--you understand me--even a _bonus_. Good! That's business! You understand that as a gentleman and a man of the world. Now, I say, bring me your principal--fetch along that woman, and I'll make it all right with _you_. Stop! I know what you're going to say; you're bound by honour and all that--I understand your position as a gentleman, and respect it. Then let me know where I can find her! Understand--you sha'n't be compromised as bringing about the interview in any way. I'll see that you're protected in your commissions from your client; and for my part--if a cheque for five thousand dollars will satisfy you of my desire to do the right thing in this matter, it's at your service." The Colonel rose to his feet and applied himself apparently to the single and silent inflation of his chest, for the space of a minute. When the upper buttons of his coat seemed to be on the point of flying off with a report, he suddenly extended his hand and grasped Dumphy's with fervour. "Permit me," he said, in a voice husky with emotion, "to congratulate myself on dealing with a gentleman and a man of honour. Your sentiments, sir, I don't care if I do say it, do you credit! I am proud, sir," continued the Colonel, warmly, "to have made your acquaintance! But I regret to say, sir, that I cannot give you the information you require. I do not myself know the name or address of my client."