“This is my proof,” he said.
Major O’Teague stared at him and then at Dick Sheridan. He saw that Dick was as much puzzled as himself.
“In the name of all that’s sensible——” he began.
“The fellow is a fool,” cried Mathews. “Ay, a fool as well as a coward.”
“In the name of all that’s sensible, Mr. Long, tell us what it is you mean at all,” said O’Teague. “What in the name of all the Hivins do you mean by showing us that rag?”
“This piece of lace is a souvenir that your friend left with me of our last encounter. Look at the torn ruffle of his right sleeve, sir. I think you will find that the rent needs for its repair this piece of lace which I hold in my hand.”
“Sir, I heard of no encounter,” said Major O’Teague.
“Then you would do well to get your friend to acquaint you with some of its details,” said Mr. Long.
Major O’Teague, mystified to a point of distraction, turned to Mathews; but he failed to catch his eye, the fact being that Mathews was gazing at Mr. Long as a man gazes at another who has just amazed him by a sudden revelation.