We'd at least know whether or not I can help. I don't have anything to lose other than my strength for a few hours. [Which is really not as tempting an idea as he makes it sound, but he isn't going to voice that. He'll just have to weigh the possibility of success against the inconvenience of being a burden -- privately, of course. He isn't going to turn it into an argument with this man.

At the moment, he gives a defeated sigh for show.]

Have it your way. I trust you can contact me should you change your mind?