ally," I said, returning his bow; "and I have long looked forward
to the pleasure of regularising our acquaintance."

"You are very good, Mr. Ducie," he returned. "Perhaps you could aid my
memory a little? Where was it that I had the pleasure?"

"O, that would be telling tales out of school," said I, with a laugh,
"and before my lawyer, too!"

"I'll wager," broke in Mr. Robbie, "that, when you knew my client,
Chevenix--the past of our friend Mr. Ducie is an obscure chapter full of
horrid secrets--I'll wager, now, you knew him as St. Ivey," says he,
nudging me violently.

"I think not, sir," said the Major, with pinched lips.

"Well, I wish he may prove all right!" continued the lawyer, with
certainly the worst-inspired jocularity in the world. "I know nothing by
him! He may be a swell mobsman for me with his aliases. You must put
your memory on the rack, Major, and when ye've remembered when and where
ye've met him, be sure ye tell me."

"I will not fail, sir," said Chevenix.

"Seek to him!" cried Robbie, waving his hand as he departed.

The Major, as soon as we were alone, turned upon me his impassive
countenance.

"Well," he said, "you have courage."

"It is undoubted as your honour, sir," I returned, bowing.

"Did you expect to meet me, may I ask?" said he.

"You saw, at least, that I courted the presentation," said I.

"And you were not afraid?" said Chevenix.

"I was perfectly at ease. I knew I was dealing with a gentleman. Be that
your epitaph."

"Well, there are some other people looking for you," he said, "who will
make no bones about the point of honour. The police, my dear sir, are
simply agog about you."

"And I think that that was coarse," said I.

"You have seen Miss Gilchrist?" he inquired, changing the subject.

"With whom, I am led to understand, we are on a footing of rivalry?" I
asked. "Yes, I have seen her."

"And I was just seeking her," he replied.

I was conscious of a certain thrill of temper; so, I suppose, was he. We
looked each other up and down.

"The situation is original," he resumed.

"Quite," said I. "But let me tell you frankly you are blowing a cold
coal. I owe you so much for your kindness to the prisoner Champdivers."

"Meaning that the lady's affections are more advantageously disposed
of?" he asked, with a sneer. "Thank you, I am sure. And, since you have
given me a lead, just hear a word of good advice in your turn. Is it
fair, is it delicate, is it like