“'Yes,' he replies, 'as you say, it was a daring robbery. But the man seems to have got away all right.'
“I could see he was dying to talk to somebody about it.
“'He's all right to-day,' says I; 'but the police ain't the fools they're reckoned. I've noticed they generally get there in the end.'
“'There's some very intelligent men among them,' says he: 'no question of it. I shouldn't be surprised if they had a clue!'
“'No,' I says, 'no more should I; though no doubt he's telling himself there never was such a clever thief.'
“'Well, we shall see,' says he.
“'That's about it,' says I.
“We talked a bit about old acquaintances and other things, and then, having finished, he handed me a sovereign and rose to go.
“'Wait a minute,' I says, 'your bill comes to three-and-eight. Say fourpence for the waiter; that leaves sixteen shillings change, which I'll ask you to put in your pocket.'
“'As you will,' he says, laughing, though I could see he didn't like it.