the
saleswoman was located, he led the Count rapidly to the place. The girl
was there, as brisk and businesslike as ever. She looked up as they
approached, and came forward to serve them, with a swift glance at both.

"I am sorry to trouble you again," said Lucian ceremoniously, "but you
told me yesterday that you sold a blue cloak, lined with rabbit skin,
to an Italian gentleman, and--"

"And am I the gentleman?" interrupted Ferruci. "Did I buy a cloak?"

"No," replied the shopwoman, after a sharp glance. "This is not the
gentleman who bought the cloak."

CHAPTER XX

A NEW DEVELOPMENT

"You see, Mr. Denzil," said Ferruci, turning triumphantly to Lucian, "I
did not buy this cloak; I am not the Italian this lady speaks of."

Lucian was extremely astonished at this unexpected testimony in favour
of the Count, and questioned the shopwoman sharply. "Are you certain of
what you say?" he asked, looking at her intently.

"Yes, I am, sir," replied the girl stiffly, as though she did not like
her word doubted. "The gentleman who bought the cloak was not so tall as
this one, nor did he speak English well. I had great difficulty in
learning what he wanted."

"But you said that he was dark, with a moustache--and--"

"I said all that, sir; but this is not the gentleman."

"Could you swear to it?" said Lucian, more chagrined than he liked to
show to the victorious Ferruci.

"If it is necessary, I could, sir," said the shopwoman, with the
greatest confidence. And after so direct a reply, and such certain
evidence, Denzil had nothing to do but retire from an awkward position
as gracefully as he could.

"And now, sir," said Ferruci, who had followed him out of the shop, "you
come with me, please."

"Where to?" asked Lucian gloomily.

"To my friend--to my rooms. I have shown I did not buy the cloak you
speak of. Now we must find my friend, Dr. Jorce, to tell you I was not
at Jersey Street when you say."

"Is Dr. Jorce at your rooms?"

"I asked him to call about this time," said Ferruci, glancing at his
watch. "When Mrs. Vrain speak to me of what you say I wish to defend
myself, so I write last night to my friend to talk with you this day. I
get his telegram saying he would come at two hours."

Lucian glanced in his turn at his watch. "Half-past one," he said,
beckoning to a cab. "Very good, Count, we will just have time to get
back to your place."

"And what you think now?" said Ferruci, with a malicious