lant, when his
August master laid a hand upon his arm.

"'No, no,' he said, 'I can easily get another car, but I do not know
that I could replace my chauffeur.'

"Thereupon the Pirate observed, 'I think, sir, there is so much wisdom
in your remark that, in spite of my necessities, I almost feel inclined
to forego my usual toll in your case.

"The August Personage, whose coolness had never for a moment deserted
him, replied imperturbably--

"'Having robbed me of a morning's enjoyment, it seems to me there is
nothing of any particular value left for you to take.'

"'Then, sir,' replied the rascal, 'you will be doubtless glad to
purchase my immediate disappearance with the contents of the August
pockets?'

"August was not the word he used, but it was one which showed that he
was acquainted with the personality of his victim.

"The August Personage shrugged his shoulders, and, searching his
pockets, could produce nothing but a cigarette case and a button. To
show his _sang-froid_, I need only remark that when he produced the
latter article he laughed heartily and said to the chauffeur--

"'I hope, P----, you have something to add to the contents of my
pockets, or I fear this too eager gentleman will destroy our front tyres
as well as the back.'

"The chauffeur had some loose gold, a silver matchbox, and a watch, and
when these were produced, speaking with the same nonchalance he had
retained throughout, the August Personage remarked--

"'I fear you have drawn a blank this time, Mr. Pirate; for, upon my
word, that is the best I can do for you.'

"The Pirate took the articles. Then he raised his hat. 'I take,' he
said, 'the August word as readily as I take these souvenirs of this
memorable meeting,' and with these words, he pulled a lever and was
speedily out of sight."

"By Jove!" I muttered. "The fellow's audacity is almost past belief. But
you said something of observations made by the August victim?"

"Yes," said Forrest. "The chauffeur was much too agitated to notice
anything, but his master was not. He observed four things. First, that
the Pirate was a man of about six feet in height."

"Mannering is five feet eleven and a quarter in his socks," I remarked.

"Secondly, that his hair was black. Thirdly, that the nails of the right
hand, with which he took his plunder, were bitten to the quick."

"The identification becomes nearly perfect," I interrupted.

"Fourthly, that the car was originally a two-