He seemed to be staring at me.
“What the devil—?” he exclaimed, in surprise.
My heart began to sink.
“You are Mr. Hankey?” I inquired.
“I am not,” he replied, with emphasis.
Here was a delicate predicament!
But I was not yet at the end of my resources.
“May I inquire your name?” I asked, politely.
“My name is Fisher,” he said, with a greater air of consequence than ever, but no greater friendliness.
“What, Fisher himself!” I exclaimed, with pretended delight. “This is indeed a fortunate coincidence! How are you, Fisher?”