HEREFORD INTERVIEWS ANNIS
271
all you say, Mr. Hereford—which is, I understand, to leave the city."
"No?"
"No, Mr. Hereford." Annis softly laughed. "I like Chicago. Six years with none but Asiatic amusements, Mr. Hereford—which debilitate rather than entertain—have made me eager, even without Mr. Lund's guidance to the city's sights, for the more diverse pleasures here. I do not see why I should give them up. Moreover, unless you are far more stupid than I have given you credit for being, a moment's reflection might make it occur to you that, if you wish the emerald not to be recovered at any moment, you will continue to be pleased with my presence here—and not locked up."
Hereford stared at him uncertainly.
