nd accosted by a rather handsome man,
irreproachably attired in frock-coat, glossy top-hat, and other garments
to match. The stranger was evidently a foreigner--perhaps a Spaniard,
Jack thought, although he spoke English with scarcely a trace of accent.
Raising his hat, he said:

"Pardon me, sir, but may I venture to enquire whether the gentleman from
whom you parted a few minutes ago happens to be named Montijo?"

"Certainly," answered Jack; "there can be no possible objection to your
making such an enquiry, somewhat peculiar though it is. But whether I
answer it or not must depend upon the reason which you may assign for
asking the question. It is not usual, here in England, for total
strangers to ask such personal questions as yours without being prepared
to explain why they are asked."

"Precisely!" assented the stranger suavely. "My reason for asking is
that I am particularly anxious to see Senor Montijo on very important
business of a strictly private nature, and should your friend happen to
be the gentleman in question I was about to ask if you would have the
very great goodness to oblige me with his present address."

"I see," said Jack. "What caused you to think that my friend might
possibly be the individual you are so anxious to meet?"

"Simply a strong general resemblance, nothing more," answered the
stranger.

"Then, my dear sir," said Jack, "since you saw my friend--for otherwise
you could not have observed his strong general resemblance to the person
whom you are so anxious to meet--will you permit me to suggest that
obviously the proper thing for you to have done was to accost him when
the opportunity presented itself to you, instead of following me.
Before I answer your question I am afraid I must ask you to favour me
with your card, as a guarantee of your _bona fides_, you know."

"Certainly," answered the stranger unhesitatingly, as he felt in the
breast pocket of his coat for his card-case. His search, however,
proved ineffectual, or at least no card-case was produced; and
presently, with an air of great vexation, he exclaimed:

"Alas! sir, I regret to say that I appear to have lost or mislaid my
card-case, for I certainly have not it with me. My name, however, is--
Mackintosh," with just the slightest perceptible hesitation.

"Mackintosh!" exclaimed Jack with enthusiasm; "surely not one of the
Mackintoshes of Inveraray?"

"Certainly, my dear sir," answered the stranger effusively.