“Then yez are Mr. Gladwin, sorr!” cried the young man eagerly, as if delighted at the discovery.
The other leaned back against the table, crossed one foot over the other and said musingly:
“You found me out, Officer––I must admit it. Permit me to thank you again for looking out for my house, and if you don’t mind I’ll double this little reward.”
Again the roll of bills came out and another $20 gold certificate was gathered in by Officer 666, who grinned as he took it.
“Thank ye, sorr!”
The gesture with which this second benefaction was bestowed was a gesture of dismissal and the bestower set off on an easy saunter about the room, humming a tune.
Officer 666 did not move, and after a moment the other casually remarked:
“You don’t seem to be in any hurry to get back to your post, officer.”
“No, sorr––I ain’t in no hurry.”