“When did this letter arrive, and who brought it?” demanded I of the waiter, who stood by as I read the document.
“A black boy brought it, about half an hour ago, sah, an’ said I was to be suah an’ gib it you, sah, an’ dat dar was no ansah, sah,” replied the fellow.
“Did you know the boy?” demanded I.
“No, sah; nebber saw him befoah to my knowledge, sah,” was the reply.
“Did you take enough notice of him to be able to recognise him should you happen to see him again?” asked I.
“I’s afraid not, sah; those black boys are all exactly alike, you know, sah,” replied the fellow, who was himself as black as the ace of spades.
“Well,” said I, “if you should happen to see him again, and can manage to detain him until you can give him into custody, it will be worth five guineas to you. I should very much like to see that boy and ask him a question or two.”
“All right, sah; if I see him I’ll stop him, nebbah feah, sah,” replied the waiter, with a grin; and therewith I hurried away to my room to dress.