"Very good, indeed! At what time did he see the dog? Be punctual,
Mr. Collins. Punctuality implies truth."
"About sunrise, I think."
"You think! Are you sure?"
"Well, yes; I'm sure."
"Describe your informer, please."
"Describe him! If I described him ever so accurately, you would n't know him from Adam," I replied sharply, and withal truthfully. "Is my dog here, Mr. Q——? If he is, I'll take him, and go. I don't want to be trying your patience after this fashion."
"Steady, Mr. Connell. Was your informer a man about my height?"
"I have no idea of your height, Mr. Q——."
"Was he a man about your own height? We'll get at it presently."
"You've got at it first try. I should say you've struck his height to about a sixteenth of an inch."