He went on in the smoothest manner to give Dick a detailed account of his methods of doing business, and made everything appear as fair and honorable as a transaction in real estate. He was very earnest about it, too; for the publication of even a hint of unfairness in his dealings would have done him immense damage and cost him thousands of dollars. “I think I have made everything clear to you,” he said in conclusion. “You see for yourself that there can be no possible foundation for these libelous attacks. And now,” he went on, his hand moving down toward his trowsers pocket, “you have been at a good deal of trouble and expense to come up here and make this investigation. Besides, you have dealt fairly with me in coming directly to me, and I like to do well by those who do well by me. Just slip this into your pocket.” Mr. Hyer’s hand was on the table close by Dick’s when he finished speaking, and “this” was a great roll of greenbacks that he tried to thrust under Dick’s palm. It was a roll that a man could hardly close his fingers around. “Oh, no, sir!” Dick exclaimed, hastily drawing back his hand. The hot blood mounted to his face, and he would have made some forcible remarks if Mr. Hyer had not been so extremely polite and gentlemanly. “No, sir. It is the Transport that pays the expense and pays me for my trouble.” “Yes, of course; I understand that,” Mr. Hyer replied; “but this is altogether outside of business matters. You have done me a kindness, and I merely want to return a favor. You need have no hesitation in accepting this trifling gift. Of course it will not influence you in the least in what you write.” The gentlemanly, smooth-tongued gambler still held the roll of notes within easy reach. Dick was on the point of flaring up and exclaiming, “Do you take me for a thief, sir?” but how could he do it with such a gentle, suave man as Mr. Hyer? Perhaps it was really meant only as a kindness, without any intention to bribe him. Still he could not trust himself to say much. “It is impossible!” he exclaimed. “Oh, well, don’t let me annoy you with urging it upon you,” said Hyer, drawing back his hand. “I thought a little money might be useful to you; but no matter. At any rate, let us crack a bottle of wine together. Do you prefer Mumm or Heidseick?” “I do not drink wine, thank you,” Dick replied. “And I see it is nearly seven o’clock, so I shall barely have time to eat dinner and catch the evening train.” He pushed back his chair and took a step toward the open door, and the gambler followed. “You see, Mr. Sumner,” he said--and he repeated some of his former arguments--“I am sure that a fair-minded man like yourself will see that my business is conducted on an entirely honorable basis.”