"It's the face and the figger, right enough. I'd ha' knowed you anywheres."
"Where have I seen you before!" I inquired with surprize.
"Never laid eyes on me, you ain't, sir—nor me on you," he returned promptly.
"What is it you want then?"
I reached into my pocket, thinking perhaps the man was a beggar. 'Twas my lucky day, I reflected, and 'twould be churlish to deny help to one in want.
"I won't be refusin' o' a pan o' rum like," he responded with a grin. "But my business was to give ye this."
And he produced from the inside of his jacket an oblong package wrapped in canvas.
"Here y'are, sir."
He thrust it into my grasp, fisted the shilling I offered him and made off at speed into a convenient alley. I called after him, but he only cast a look over his shoulder and took to his heels.
"Examine the package," said the governor. "'Tis a queer gift a man will not wait to see appraised."