It's for fair play and education."
"What's your purpose?" demanded Banneker. "Money?"
"I've a very comfortable income," replied Marrineal modestly.
"Political advancement? Influence? Want to pull the wires?" persisted
the other.
"The game. I'm out of employment and tired of it."
"And you think I could be of use in your plan? But you don't know much
about me."
Marrineal murmured smilingly something indefinite but complimentary as
to Banneker's reputation on Park Row; but this was by no means a fair
index to what he knew about Banneker.
Indeed, that prematurely successful reporter would have been surprised
at the extent to which Marrineal's private investigations had gone. Not
only was the purchaser of The Patriot apprised of Banneker's
professional career in detail, but he knew of his former employment, and
also of his membership in The Retreat, which he regarded with perplexity
and admiration. Marrineal was skilled at ascertainments. He made a
specialty of knowing all about people.
"With Mr. Edmonds on roving commission and you to handle the big local
stuff," he pursued, "we should have the nucleus of a news organization.
Like him, you would be responsible to me alone. And, of course, it would
be made worth your while.
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