"Just another pint, missis," he urged, "just another pint, and then we'll toddle." In a tone of such entreaty that to one unacquainted with the usual proceedings of such topers, it might reasonably have been inferred that his very life depended upon that other pint, and that the most serious consequences to his health would ensue if it were refused. The landlady paid no attention to the entreaty, but devoted herself to Felix and Old Wheels, who had stepped into the parlour at her invitation. Seeing that she only set two glasses before them, Felix called for two more, and hoped that the landlady and her husband would join them. He completed the conquest by drinking prosperity to the True Blue, and then proceeded to business.
"We have come to consult you upon a matter of much importance, my dear madam," he said; "and we hope you will give us what assistance you can."
"Anything that is in my power, sir," replied the landlady, flattered by the courtesy of so well-looking a young man as Felix; "I am sure I shall be most happy."
"We do not wish it talked about," continued Felix; "so suppose we agree that it shall be a secret between us, taking your husband into our confidence, of course."
The landlady expressed her acquiescence, her curiosity growing.
"It will take the form of questions, I am afraid," observed Felix.
"You've only to ask, sir," said the amiable woman; "and I'll answer, if I can."
"There was a cab waiting at your door at about half-past nine o'clock to-night, was there not?"
"There have been three or four waiting, on and off."
"But there was one in particular, from the livery-stables near here, with the driver Thompson, a man with a crooked nose and a hare-lip. He came in here to drink with a mate from the yard."