The voice was heard again, and this time Sam perceived that the speaker was playing billiards on the second table to the right. But it did not appear to be Abner. His personal appearance was very different, and he had a black mustache. But when Sam scanned the upper part of the face, he saw a strong resemblance. He suspected the truth at once, Abner was disguised.
"He's spending my money," said Sam to himself, indignantly. "No wonder he can afford to play billiards when he gets his money so easy. I won't lose sight of him."
By this time Abner—for it was he—had finished his game, and laid down his cue. He had no money to pay, for he had beaten his adversary. He sauntered up to the door, and was about to pass Sam, whom he had not noticed, when our hero laid his hand upon his arm.
"I want to speak to you, Mr. Blodgett," he said, "on very particular business."
Abner started when he recognized Sam, and changed color slightly, but immediately his disguise occurred to him, and he decided to brazen it out.
"Excuse me, sir," he answered, coolly. "Did you address me?"
He changed his voice as well as he could in uttering these words, and this confirmed Sam's previous suspicion.
"I said I should like to speak to you on business, Mr. Blodgett," Sam repeated, in an emphatic tone.
"You have made a mistake in the person," said Abner, shrugging his shoulders. "My name is not Blodgett."
"And I suppose your first name is not Abner?" said Sam.