Mason had unconsciously fallen into the
old tone and mode of address, and he himself recognized him now.
"Till nine-thirty, then. At that time I shall notify Haggerty."
"The boat?"
"Oh, no. I'm giving you that chance without conditions. It's up to
Haggerty to find you. There's one question I should like to ask you.
Were you in this sort of business while you were serving me?"
Mason laughed. The real man shone in his eyes and smile. "I was. It
was very exciting. It was very amusing, too. I valeted you during the
day-time and went about my own peculiar business at night. I entered
your service to rob you and remained to serve you; ten years. I want
you always to remember this: to you I was loyal, that I stood between
you and death because you were the only being I was fond of. You are
the one bit of sentiment that ever entered my life. Well, I must be
off. But I've had a jolly time of it, masquerading as a titled
gentleman. What a comedy! How the fools kotowed and simpered while I
looked over their jewels and speculated upon how much I could get for
them! But I had my code.
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