"Nonsense," I answered; "the scoundrels were cowards and bolted the moment I came in sight."
"I tell you, sir, they would have murdered me, and flung my body into the river, where I should have become another 'Thames Mystery,' There were three of them—the wretches!"
"Valuables safe?" I asked.
The man felt his pockets.
"Lost my watch and chain," he said. "Easily replaced; but, if they had taken my life, who would have carried out my mission?"
"Your mission? May I inquire the nature of it?"
"You may; it is to make men and women happy."
"I understand; you preach."
"Quite wrong; I practise."
"You mystify me."