at him, Bill," said one youth to an acquaintance; "he's escaped
from Madame Tussaud's, he has. Painted hisself over with Day & Martin's
best, and bought a secondhand Guy Fawkes nose."

Just then his remarks were cut short, for Otter, having been made to
understand by the driver that they had arrived at their destination,
descended from the box in a manner so original, that it is probably
peculiar to the aborigines of Central Africa, and frightened that boy
away.

From the cab emerged Leonard and Juanna, looking very much the better
for their sea journey. Indeed, having recovered her health and spirits,
and being very neatly dressed in a grey frock, with a wide black hat
trimmed with ostrich feathers, Juanna looked what she was, a very lovely
woman. Entering an outer office Leonard asked if Messrs. Thomson &
Turner were to be seen.

"Mr. Turner is within, sir," answered a clerk of venerable appearance.
"Mr. Thomson"--here his glance fell upon Otter and suddenly he froze up,
then added with a jerk--"has been dead a hundred years! Thomson, sir,"
he explained, recovering his dignity, but with his eyes still fixed on
Otter, "was the founder of this firm; he died in the time of George
III. That is his picture over the door--the person with a harelip and a
snuffbox."

"Indeed!" said Leonard. "As Mr. Thomson is not available, perhaps you
will tell Mr. Turner that a gentleman would like to speak to him."

"Certainly, sir," said the old clerk, still staring fixedly at Otter,
whose aspect appeared to fascinate him as much as that worthy had been
fascinated by the eyes of the Water-Dweller. "Have you an appointment,
sir?"

"No," answered Leonard. "Tell him that it is in reference to an
advertisement which his firm inserted in the 'Times' some months ago."

The clerk started, wondering if this could be the missing Mr. Outram.
That much-sought-for individual was understood to have resided in
Africa, which is the home of dwarfs and other oddities. Once more he
stared at Otter and vanished through a swing door.

Presently he returned. "Mr. Turner will see you, sir, if you and the
lady will please to step in. Does this--gentleman--wish to accompany
you?"

"No," said Leonard, "he can stop here."

Thereupon the clerk handed Otter a tall stool, on which the dwarf
perched himself disconsolately. Then he opened the swing door and
ushered Leonard and his wife into Mr. Turner's private room.

"Whom have I the pleasure of address