own, and producing a letter from
his pocket. "I have here a not from my old friend Raffles Holmes--a note of
introduction to you. I am a manufacturer of paste jewels--or rather was. I
have had one or two misfortunes in my business, and find myself here in
America practically stranded."

"Your place of business was--"

"In the Rue de l'Echelle in Paris," he explained. "I lost everything in
unfortunate speculation, and have come here to see if I could not get a new
start. Mr. Holmes thinks you can use your influence with Markoo & Co., the
theatrical costumers, who, I believe, manufacture themselves all the stage
jewelry they use in their business, to give me something to do. It was said
in Paris that the gems which I made were of such quality that they would
deceive, for a time anyhow, the most expert lapidaries, and if I can only
get an opening with Markoo & Co. I am quite confident that you will not
repent having exerted your good offices in my behalf."

"Why, certainly, Mr. Robinstein," said I. "Any friend of Raffles Holmes may
command my services. I know Tommy Markoo very well, and as this is a pretty
busy time with him, getting his stuff out for the fall productions, I have
little doubt I shall be able to help you. By Jove!" I added, as I glanced
over the cafe, "that's a singular coincidence--there is Markoo himself just
coming in the doorway."

"Really?" said Mr. Robinstein, turning and gazing towards the door. "He's a
different-looking chap from what I had imagined. Perhaps, Mr. Jenkins, it
would--er--expedite matters if you--"

"Of course," I interrupted. "Tommy is alone--we'll have him over."

And I beckoned to Markoo and invited him to join us.

"Good!" said he, in his whole-souled way. "Glad to have a chance to see
you--I'm so confoundedly busy these days--just think of it, I've been at
the shop ever since eight o'clock this morning."

"Tommy, I want to introduce you to my friend Mr. Robinstein," said I.

"Not Isidore Robinstein, of Paris?" said Markoo.

"I have that misfortune, Mr. Markoo," said Robinstein.

"Misfortune? Gad, Mr. Robinstein, we look at things through different
glasses," returned Markoo. "The man who can do your work ought never to
suffer misfortune--"

"If he only stays out of the stock-market," said Robinstein.

"Aha," laughed Tommy. "Et tu, Brute?"

We all laughed, and if there was any ice to be broken after that it was
along the line of business of the cafe. We got along famo