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While I yet stared at this, I was conscious that the man had

risen, and now stood at my elbow; also, that in one hand his

carried a short, heavy stick He stood very still, and with bent

head, apparently absorbed in the printed words before hileam in the shadow of his hat-brim,

as they turned to scan me furtively up and down Yet he did not

speak or ht, in

his immobility Wherefore I, in turn, watched him narrowly from

the corner of lances htful?" said I

"Ah!--I be that"

"And what ?"

"Why--since you ax hty

sharp and piercin'"

"Ah!" said I; "and what more?"

"That your coat was tore at the shoulder"

"So it is," I nodded; "well?"

"You likeears buckled breeches, and gray worsted

stockings"

"You are a very observanthis head, "I don't see no

'andcuffs"