"Who the fiend are you?" commenced Wilfer, recovering himself; but Vermont's smooth voice interrupted him.
"I was right, I see! What a strange coincidence, Mr. Wilfer, that I should see your really admirable Rubens in the afternoon, and run against--or perhaps I should say, knock you down--in the evening."
Mr. Wilfer was goaded to desperation.
"Look here," he almost shouted, "I don't care if you're the old 'un himself; but that's enough of your jaw. What's your game anyhow? S'pose you did see me in a pub at Canterbury along of a young party, s'pose I am an artist, an' I did sell an old master, that ain't no business of yours; that don't give you the right to knock me down or interfere with me, so now then!"
"Finished?" inquired Vermont, pleasantly. "I quite agree with you, Mr. Wilfer--on some points; but it is greatly my business, as you will see. Had I not come up at that moment, I wonder if my friend would be as safe as he is now."
"Your friend," echoed the other. "Is Mr. Adrien Leroy your friend?"
"He is indeed," replied Jasper with a grin. "Now suppose you tell me what you two gentleman were discussing."
"Suppose I don't?" retorted Wilfer insolently. "You find out for yourself, if you're so clever, Mr. Know-all; I'm off." He tried to push past Vermont and thus effect his escape; but he was not to get off so lightly.
Jasper removed his cigar, which he had been puffing, and dropping his soft, mocking tone, said sternly:
"Stand back; go and sit on that bench. I haven't done with you yet, Johann Wilfer."