ow him up," said Dropper, "it will only make one more--that is, if
Boggs is agreed."

Mr. Boggs had no objections to such course being taken, though he was
deeply puzzled to know who the old acquaintance could be.

In a moment, the servant introduced into the room a tall, spare
individual, of about thirty-two years of age. He was ordinarily attired,
and, though not seedy, his garments were by no means new. His face was
closely shaven, and surrounded by a large standing collar. He looked
around the room upon the different parties present, until his eyes
rested upon Boggs. He then ventured to speak.

[Illustration]

"Gentlemen," said he, "excuse this interruption. The fact is, I have
been seeking this gentleman for nearly three years past, and observing
him in company with you, I could not forbear following to seek a brief
interview."

Boggs turned pale. Visions of cowhides and pistols came before his mind.

"You are perfectly excusable," said Dropper. "We will leave the room, if
you desire."

"N-n-not for all the world," ejaculated Boggs, hastily. "I have not the
slightest objection to your remaining."

"Nor I," said the tall gentleman. "Your name," continued he, addressing
Boggs, "is Johnson, I believe."

Nothing could have relieved Boggs from the suspense under which he was
laboring more than this last remark. The gentleman had evidently
mistaken him for one Johnson, who had, probably, insulted or injured the
tall individual, on some previous occasion. The blush again returned to
Boggs' cheeks.

"You are mistaken," said he, at last. "My name is Boggs."

"Boggs--so it is," said the tall stranger. "My bad memory often leads me
into errors. But the mistake is very natural--Johnson sounds so much
like Boggs; but, whether Johnson or Boggs, you are the individual whom I
seek."

This announcement caused Boggs's courage to again descend into his
boots.

"It is three years since I have seen you," said the tall individual.
"During that length of time, a person would be likely to forget a name.
But your person, sir, that I could never, never forget," continued the
tall man, solemnly, and throwing in a little melo-dramatic action, as
he spoke, which made Boggs shudder.

"C-c-certainly," said Boggs.

"Mr. Boggs," said the stranger, "you probably don't recollect me."

"C-can't say that I do," stammered Boggs.

"That need make no difference," said the stranger, mysteriously. "I know
you."

The stranger then c