Selfridge followed orders and let him talk with the men freely. All of
them had been drilled till they knew their story like parrots. They were
suspicious of the approaches of Elliot, but they had been warned that
they must appear to talk candidly. The result was that some talked too
much and some not enough. They contradicted themselves and one another.
They let slip admissions under skillful examination that could be
explained on no other basis than that of company ownership.
Both Selfridge and Howland outdid themselves in efforts to establish
close social relations. But Gordon was careful to put himself under no
obligations. He called on the Howlands, but he laughingly explained why
he could not accept the invitations of Mrs. Howland to dinner.
"I have to tell things here as I see them, and may not have your point
of view. How can I accept your hospitality and then report that I think
your husband ought to be sent up for life?"
She was a good, motherly woman and she laughed with him. But she did
wish this pleasant young fellow could be made to take the proper view of
things.
Within two weeks Elliot had finished his work at Kamatlah.
"Off for Kusiak to-morrow," he told Holt that night.
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