"I am," he replied, finding himself compelled to speak.
"That's funny. You're the sort of gentleman, I should say, that would pay well for anything that was done for him."
"I am," said Mark Inglefield, growing bold; her words seemed to indicate a desire to establish a freemasonry between them, of which neither Mr. Parkinson nor Mr. Manners could have any suspicion.
"That's a good thing to know," said Blooming Bess, "because, you see, I should be an important witness--shouldn't I?"
"Very important," said Mr. Manners, "and I would pay well also."
"You would, would you, sir?" She looked from one man to the other.
"Allow me to manage this, sir," said Mark Inglefield. "It is more to my interest than yours."
Mr. Manners nodded acquiescence.
"I asked you to describe the man," said Mr. Parkinson.
"I can do that. He was short and fat, and his face was covered with hair. Oh, I can spot him the minute I see him."