The detective looked embarrassed.
"I didn't intend to tell you, but I guess I will. I'm going to throw up my job. I'm in this thing and I'm going to stay and see it out."
"Good old chap!" answered Mark. "I thought you would. But can you afford it?"
"Frankly, I can't; but I'm going to do it just the same."
"Saunders," said Mark, "I think I need the services of a sort of detective."
"You mean a protective bodyguard."
"Put it as you like--any way that will let me pay you for your time. You say you are going to stay on the case. I want to have you on it. You may not need me badly, but I'm sure that I need you."
"Then you want me to apply for the job?"
"I'd employ you if you would take it, old chap."
"Then I apply. I never asked for a job before, but I want this one. Shake!"
The men shook hands and started to go upstairs. When they were out of hearing, the clerk called up a number on the telephone.