“He asked for the boot I wore yesterday, or last night—which did he say?” asked Mr. Longcluse.
“I think it was last night he said, Sir,” answered Charles.
“Try to recollect yourself. Can't you be certain? Which was it?”
“I think it was last night, Sir, he said.”
“It doesn't signify,” said Mr. Longcluse; “I wanted to see that your memory was pretty clear on the subject. You seem to remember all that passed pretty accurately.”
“I recollect it perfectly well, Sir.”
“H'm! That will do. Franklin, you'll remember that description—let every one of you remember it. It is the description of a thief; and when you see that fellow again, hold him fast till you put him in the hands of a policeman. And, Charles, you must be prepared, d'ye see, to swear to that description; for I am going to the detective office, and I shall give it to the police.”
“Yes, Sir,” answered Charles.
“I sha'n't want you, Franklin; let some one call a cab.”
So he returned to his dressing-room, and shut the door, and thought—“That's the fellow whom that miserable little fool, Lebas, pointed out to me at the saloon last night. He watched him, he said, wherever he went. I saw him. There may be other circumstances. That is the fellow—that is the very man. Here's matter to think over! By heaven! that fellow must be denounced, and discovered, and brought to justice. It is a strong case—a pretty hanging case against him. We shall see.”