"I am done with words; action accomplishes
the rest. Mr. Blake I believe you consider me an honest officer and a
reliable man. Will you accompany me to your private room for a
moment? There is something there which may convince you I was neither
playing the fool nor the bravado when I uttered the phrase I did an
instant ago."
I expected to hear the haughty master of the house refuse a request so
peculiar. But he only bowed, though in a surprised way that showed
his curiosity if no more was aroused. "My room and company are at
your disposal," said he, "but you will find nothing there to justify
you in your assertions."
"Let me at least make the effort," entreated my superior.
Mr. Blake smiling bitterly immediately led the way to the door. "The
man may come," he remarked carelessly as Mr. Gryce waved his hand in
my direction. "Your justification if not mine may need witnesses."
Rejoiced at the permission, for my curiosity was by this time raised
to fever pitch, I at once followed. Not without anxiety. The assured
poise of Mr. Blake's head seemed to argue that the confidence
betrayed by my superior might receive a shock; and I felt it would be
a serious blow to his pride to fail now. But once within the room
above, my doubts speedily fled. There was that in Mr.
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