"I might as well own that I deceived you when I pretended I wanted to hire
a clerk," began Hornblower, "but I had good reason for doing so; that
reason I can't give for the present. Now," and here Mr. Hornblower took a
pencil and note-book from his pocket, "I want to know your full name and
exact age."
These were truthfully given and carefully written down.
"Now I want to know all about your parents, their age, your father's
business, and various other matters which I shall ask you."
Jim had no reason to decline any information he was able to give, and he
furnished all his captor desired to know.
When the examination was finished, the note-book was closed, and Mr.
Hornblower asked, in the most friendly of tones,--
"Have they used you well?"
"They have," was the truthful reply.
"Do you know why?"
"I suppose because you instructed them to do so."
"It's not that, but because you behaved yourself; you haven't made any
trouble."
"I don't intend to do that, for there's nothing to gain by it. I haven't
any work to do, and may as well stay here as anywhere else."
"Remember what I told you; so long as you keep quiet you are safe, but
only on those conditions.
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