"I thought you said his name was Jack Mortimer."
"So it is. I am very shaky on names. Perhaps it is because I am getting old."
This seemed a plausible explanation of his slip of the tongue, and Gerald accepted it.
They left the bridge and crossed the City Hall Park. While crossing it Brand was accosted by an ill-looking man with a cast in his eye.
"Friend of yours?" he asked, staring at Gerald.
"Yes."
"Introduce me, won't you?"
"Some other time," muttered Brand, not seeming very well pleased.
"I see. You want him all to yourself," and he winked in a disagreeable way.
Brand hastily bade him good-day, and hurried Gerald across the park.