“‘That will make it awkward for nice young men with black beards and moustaches,’ says he.
“‘Yes,’ I says. ‘Fortunately for you and me, we’re clean shaved.’
“I felt as certain he was the man as though I’d seen him do it.
“He gives me a sharp glance, but I was busy with the cruets, and he had to make what he chose out of it.
“‘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.