“No, sir; a dark gentleman.”
“A—a nigger?” exclaimed Mr. Sinnett.
“Well, yes; except that he was dressed quite respectable,” acquiesced Mr. Lock. “Oh, very respectable indeed. He looked as if he might be pretty well off at home.”
“Did he say he wanted to see Tridge important?”
“Very important, so he said, sir. He said something about only just having managed to find out where he was, and about a boat sailing back almost immediate.”
“Um-m-m,” commented Mr. Sinnett, and thoughtfully began to stroke his chin. “Did he—did the nigger say where he was stopping, or anything like that?”
“No, sir. I told him where Mr. Tridge lodged, and—”
“Oh, you shouldn’t have done that!”
“No, sir? Why not?”
“Oh, because—”